I found the original question a strange one to ask. Everyone has their own reasons for requesting help or advice from other musicians -maybe they just know the tune but havn't heard it accompanied ( a simple major or minor chord can be placed in the same part of a tune but will alter the context of the tune being played)or perhaps they are looking for help with a more difficult tune or looking for a better arrangement to the one they know already. As mentioned already, varying levels of competency (probably the best answer to your original question), natural ability and 'ear' all come into it as well and while some folk don't NEED to ask for the chords - maybe you are one of the lucky ones Betsy - then quite simply others do need to ask. Going back thirty years did you NEVER ask someone for the chords to a well known tune you wanted to learn ?

I have also played acoustic 'folksie' guitar for over thirty years and am reasonably competent but will still seek advice on chords, tunings, phrasing etc from anyone who is prepared to willingly offer help when asked, even the whole tune if it's what it takes - might be chords in a strange open tuning but it's all relative depending on ability. Equally, I am flattered when asked by someone for help and like most Mudcatters happy when I am able to provide it. It's just the way it works for some people.

Chris (also trying not to offend)