Lindy-
Here, here! This is definitely a pet peeve.
You are absolutely right. What I love, is when folks tell me how much 'easier' it would be for ME to communicate with them in the very specific way that they want. More likely, the person doesn't pay attention or has a poor memory. Have you ever had people say they prefer one way of communication, until they get caught ignoring it or forgetting it, so they ask, "why didn't you email me, or whatever."
The real cost item is people not paying attention. It's simple, if you don't make ANY effort to know what's going on, don't complain.