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So I found it so interesting that this topic got posted, because I had an experience in Animal Kingdom several years ago, that I always thought to tell others about, but I figured I would just be complaining. But reflecting back now the story has become humourous, though at the time it was really anything but.

So it's 2003 and I am in Animal Kingdom, particuarly back in the Mickey and Minnie Camp area. We approach a male CM who is wearing a lanyard that excitingly enough has some of the newest (at the time) lanyard series pins. My partner and I ask to trade for two to which this CM informs us that we are not allowed to trade with him because we are not wearing lanyards. We question this, saying that it is nowhere in the official pin trading rules, to which he says "Oh yes, we had a special meeting this morning regarding the "new" rules" and went on to explain how it was this new rule that was going to be being enforced everywhere. Of course we knew this to be untrue, and being the kind of person I am, instead of arguing with him, or letting it go, I took the other option, which was to go find someone who was his manager. Now mind you, as we were walking away from this CM we watched him pocket the pins as he went offstage. I found a manager at the main store just outside Camp MM and very calmly discussed with him what had occurred, mainly, and if for no other reason, to confirm that the pin trading rules had not changed. After a very nice dicussion witht the manager, and a couple of nice pin trades, we went along on our way. The manager said he would talk to the CM and make sure he was clear on the actual rules of pin trading.

Fast forward to 2004, once again I am in Animal Kingdom, Camp Mickey & Minnie and approaching a male CM again to make a pin trade. I ask the CM to trade for a couple of his lanyard series pins, and wouldn't you know it I get told "Oh well you're not wearing a lanyard so I can't trade with you." I am just getting ready to argue this point when I realize this guy looks familiar. I very calmly state "That is not one of the pin trading rules", to which this CM says "Oh well yes, we actually just had a special meeting about this today as it's a new rule", he isn't even halfway through this little speech when I realize it's the exact same guy as from the year before. I start to laugh and actually call him on it, saying something to the effect of "Really, they instituted that rule just to today? You mean like the way they did last year when you gave me this same speech?" The guy looked shocked and instead of trying to further argue, very grudgingly said "Okay well I will make an exception for you just for today" and traded the pins I wanted to me.
I have to say, I am really come from the camp that most Cast Member pin traders are great people. Pin trading is something that is somewhat thrust upon them, especially in some job roles where it is all but "expected" of them. Some CMs I have met have fallen in love with it and not only do they were their lanyards, they wear them with pride and work hard to make trading fun for everyone that comes up to them. Other CMs continue to wear their lanyards as it makes them look good for their managers, and though they don't hate trading, some of them don't enjoy it that much, and I have found a large reason for that comes from the treatment they get from some traders.

I believe in give out what you want to get back. Treat the CMs with respect and expect it in return. That said, if you are abiding by all the rules, and they are inventing ones of their own, don't just let them. I don't mean get confrontational with them personally because that does nobody any good. But don't hesitate to call over their managers and say something. One of the reasons some of these CMs "invent" their own rules, is because nobody is stopping them. If their reason for not taking your pin in trade sounds "hinky" to you, don't hesitate to call over a second CM to confirm that you are upholding the rules. If you need to escalate it, do, if you can. Always remain professional about it, and never let your emotions overtake you when you are taking it up with that CMs higher ups. Always calmly and clearly explain the situation, and a little humbleness goes a long way too. My method usually involves me very calmly talking to the manager and explaining that I believe there is a disagreement on what the rules of pin trading are, and asking the manager to re-explain them to me. Once explained, I then take time to ask if the pin I was trading was a fair trader and usually I get the response I am looking for.

Ultimately pin trades, even with a Cast Member is a two-way street. You as a pin trader have the rights to be treated correctly and fairly. If you are acting fairly and in accordance with the rules, then let that be your guide. Just remember to never let it get you upset, and know that the next CM trade you make might the best one ever.