If you want to make the "ugly American" impression big time squared,
You admitted that you haven't been to Poland in 40 years, so your stereotyped opinion hasn't any credibility.
I have smiled and said dziendobre to unknown people in my elevator,gym,public/pvt offices and always got proper response
Same here Cargo. These guys are living in the past and haven't a clue about modern Poland. The people were very friendly and outgoing, the exact opposite of what they're saying.
Im sure when they go out they just stare/observe and don't talk to anyone. No wonder, they rub ppl the wrong way and carry this attitude around.