I’ve heard it explained that “hey” used to be more of an urgent way to get someone’s attention, rather than a casual “hello” like it is now, so it sounded rude to some older folks.
“No problem” also carries the implication that the favor was taken and done without ill will, where “you’re welcome” carries one of superiority
Well one would expect it at a five star restaurant, but not your local dive. So… kinda…?
I thought it was every day life politeness, but I am not native. I would rather expect “the pleasure is all mine, sir” at a 3 Michelin stars restaurant.
When you say “you’re welcome”, you are granting welcome to someone. You’re bequeathing them a permission. You can only bequeath shit to people you’re better than. If someone’s welcome because they’re your equal or better, then they don’t need you to tell them.
It seems weird to me to derive that from what I was taught to be the standard expression to answer back to “thank you”. It didn’t seem to carry more meaning than vocalizing your acknowledgement of the given thanks.