I guess I was unsuccessful in communicating a playful tone-- Dang, I hate it when that happens!
NO ONE can be manipulated by anyone else. I know you know this. But to answer your question directly: yes, I am free to to TRY to manipulate anyone I want to. They are free to submit, resist, manipulate me in return, and/or to tell me to go to he11.
Burg ... I mean you no harm. Why are you so annoyed at me? Your annoyance seems disproportionate to the issue.