How in the world is directly asking a question an insult?
Oh no, there I go again.... asking questions!
Folks, lets make it clear that the written word is removed from tone of voice and facial expressions, leaving it easy to misconstrue the intent of a message.
To that end, the use of smiley's greatly enhances the "mood" of what was written.
Don't read a direct question as an insult to your intelligence, read it as a question for what it is asking!