Harley_babe I send the exact same message as you and my communication DSR's, although they're not 5, they're 4.95 and the highest out of all 4 categories. I won't be changing my system anytime soon as it seems the overwhelming majority of buyers  appreciate it.

As a buyer I see that 95% of sellers don't make any communication whatsoever - that's fine by me, so as long as the item is posted promptly and arrives in good condition I still leave 5 stars across the board.

As a seller I just think it's polite to acknowledge payment and say 'thank you' - but that's just me - it's the way I like to conduct myself both on eBay and off it. Lol I think it's the Pommie in me - I was raised to be an 'English Gentleman'