Well, the can of worms was opened, so I'd like to add my two cents.
Personally, gifts are great, when they aren't requested. If someone honestly CANNOT obtain something for one reason or another, asking to TRADE for it is acceptable. Asking to have it DONATED to them, is not. I'm sure everyone who plays VMK has something they can trade for what they want to have. An offer of anything is better than asking for something free.
Yes, the Animator's Desk Sets were given out at DCA, but isn't the time that person took to ask for the card worth something?
Just my opinion, although I believe there are many other Dis'ers here who have NOT donated for this very same reason. I myself have a few Pirate Quest hats. Each and every one of them took my time away from something else. At least an hour, because I'm not that great at fireworks and there were dc issues with VMK as well. For this reason, I won't be gifting any to anyone who asked for a free hat. If I meet someone on the game who needs a hat but doesn't ask for it as a gift, they will more than likely get one for free. That's how gifts are given.
Flame away! I'm sure someone out there disagrees with me.