jts1882
Dean Richards
In my experience on this board, the use of the word "Mate" is one of condecention.
I've noticed that and think its a strange internet thing. Mate seems to be used to patronise or condescend most of the time, especially when tacked on the end. Or at least it tends to come over that way, even if not intended. You don't seem to get the same use in person. Perhaps there is something lost without the intonation of the spoken phrase.