Zero tolerance

I recently read of a study that claimed the percentage of people who like strangers talking to them is 0%. I have to admit it was on Facebook and maybe it was American or something. But I was really surprised.
I enjoy engaging with people. So when I watched the woman on the ferry trip of over an hour manage with 4 kids - one a babe in arms, a toddler and one who had his 4th birthday that day and an older sister, on the way off the boat I commended her with a 'Well done. Your kids were great.' The potential for them to be horrendous was there but she had been firm and organised and we all enjoyed our ride. Do you suppose she was offended at my comment?
On the same trip a couple about our age sat near us. THEY started the conversation and we had a pleasant exchange of present circumstances and travel plus discovering mutual teaching backgrounds.  The return trip was much the same as the more than an hour on the way out, so water, beautiful blue though it be, could have been monotonous. As they left they wished us well and that was it. Passing conversation with strangers, but somehow the world seemed a better place for it.
I wouldn't want to be insensitive to the wishes of people around me; it's usually possible to read the body language, as I encounter people and say g'day or simply make eye contact, and act accordingly.
So I must admit I chat to all sorts of people - at the checkout, on the street, in shops and at tourist spots. I think it's worth taking the chance to make the connection and brighten the day.
Zero tolerance for talking with strangers. Rhubarb!