(the one that really gets me is when I split words I.e "thi sis". Can't spot them for the life of me)
This may just be me, but the your/you're thing trips me up like crazy. I usually have to re-read the sentence 2 or 3 times.
I've thrown together a script to highlight your/you're on my HN comments(plus some other bits and pieces that get me) so hopefully I can improve things :)
(I really cannot recognise this and a few other types of mistakes; it's so damn annoying)
In my mind the question is: If this person doesn't care enough to get this detail right--in this situation where it's about a detail I know about--how can I trust them to get the details right in a situation I know nothing about?
This approach does come with a downside--I probably spend too much time forming written communication trying to make sure it's "right". Like this comment, for example. :)
So, for me, it's not just about mindless adherence to arbitrary rules but a potential pointer to a deeper quality. However, you are free to continue not to be interested in me. :)
BTW thumbs up for real life social engineering :).