Yea, well when you first look at Graal, what do the "hearts" look like to you? It isn't an idiotic question. They just don't know the proper "Graal speak" yet.
Lucky for you, you had a friend who knew the ropes to help you, not everyone does.
I applaud trials who aren't afraid to ask questions to get help.
I do not applaud they way they are treated by some staff, and players though. I can't tell you how many complaints I have gotten, and still get about this, in game and on the forums.
I would have to say that this is not a very friendly game at this point.
Years ago, when I first started playing when there was only Classic, the players and staff were much friendlier then today (Not to say there aren't a lot of friendly people, because there are). Seems that for every one decent player, there are two not so decent players. *sigh*
Seriously, let the trials be, let them learn the game without being hated on, and maybe more of them will get p2p's.