I don't think treating people decently is a matter of respect; I think it is simply the way a civilized person (aka gentleman) behaves. I treat all sorts of people politely and decently - including, for example, politicians, for whom I have no respect.
Respect -1. esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability: 2. to refrain from interfering with.
Elementary school principals express platitudes that have completely warped the meaning of respect for an entire generation. Some of those platitudes were expressed in some previous posts - and, as you noted above - this way lies madness.
Respect is not some magical quality endowed upon us by our creator. It is not reciprocal - it does not exist simply because we mutually wish it to be so. We earn respect by our actions.
I respect a sex worker because she's good at her job - making me feel good. I demonstrate that I respect her by dealing with her in a civilized manner - paying my bill on time, treating her politely, expressing my desires in a clear manner. As I do with all of the professionals in my life who provide services - plumber, carpenter, general contractor, interior decorator, maid, butler, etc.
She respects me because I have sufficient cash to buy her services. She demonstrates that respect by giving me good service. Like every other professional I deal with. Doesn't mean we can't be friendly in the course of services being rendered. I am on good friendly terms with my general contractor - doesn't mean I am going to lend him money or bail him out of jail....or just suddenly show up at his apartment...
See.... simple