If someone has a negative effect on a social interaction through frivolous status games, I'll: A) leave, if I can't stand it, and don't want to embarrass my friend who has a connection with the someone, or realize challenging them will have more negative an impact; B) tough it out, if challenging them will discomfort my friend(s) or have more of a negative impact; C) challenge them on their behavior by inquiring after why they are engaging in the frivolous behavior. Often I'll decide challenging them won't be worth it for me, as I'll find it unlikely the someone's response to my challenge will sufficiently entertain me.

I think some might have a latent association of either high-status or extremely low-status with such people, and are either intimidated or don't find them worth wasting time on. I base this thought on experience and answers to questions that I can't remember in detail.