RPDLW tends to have a different set of expectations than most weekends, to say the least.
Michael, thanks for putting me on the spot with the "really, would you ever" question, a question that could have been asked of anyone who replied to Maia's stated query about others' thoughts on how to "mitigate the potential harms of shadow swing dances" without debating her premise, and should have been asked of no one at all.
My answer: Not all calling situations are main hall or regular series dances; and there is, in the lifetime of a caller, a place for most every dance, even Lady Walpole's - places like themed sessions in which all participants are aware of potential shadow interactions. And i'm fully aware that (as Cary so perfectly phrases it) "in this case the caller is choosing your second partner," and of the attendant risks therein. Please also see Luke Donforth's fantastic answer.
We're (hopefully) here to nurture each other as callers at various stages of the journey. That doesn't include messages framed to invite the person asked, and anyone who views their reply, to view their answer in comparison against "our most respected callers."
Tavi
(whoops! fixed gmail settings)