How close for a Gimme?

[MegaSteve]

In 'social play' if someone is courteous to give me a putt I always accept graciously... I have no fixed circumstances as to when I give a putt or not... Varies on the player and or the lie of the green... Everyone, I reckon, has missed a six inch downhill slider... Haven't they? ... One of my regular group never gives a putt and he feels insulted if he is given one [a putt that is]... So obviously tend not to include him with the courtesies of 'gimmes'...

However... I can get a bit wound up when I see groups in front obviously playing 'socially' [particularly on foul weather days] putting EVERYTHING out... Use of 'gimmes' could/can solve a lot of slow play 'issues'....

 

[Region3]

I've read this a few times on this thread, how do the players giving the gimmies, react to this apparent slap in the face? Is it ever perceived as an insult to them that you wouldn't accept their offer?

If you're given a putt that's it, it's holed. It cannot be refused or rescinded.
Even if you play it and miss it doesn't matter.