the niceties aren't supposed to be used
No, but virtually all controllers say hello and goodbye, as do pilots.
And it's quite definitely the way it should be. I don't ever recall a bit of politeness stopping me getting a call in.
antonybradford, I suspect with it a bit more experience you will be a lot more relaxed about ATC and will be less bothered by others niceties. You might even use them yourself!