Don't you have CALLER ID??? If it is NOBODY YOU KNOW or "OUT OF AREA/UNKNOWN"...let the answering machine answer!!! We don't have CA people calling...BUT my wife does that anyway...(since she is on the phone 40+ hours per week for her job)
I don't have caller ID, but I do screen calls as well. I don't have CAs calling, just hate telemarketers. If it's someone I know, and they start to leave a message, I'll pick up the phone. Otherwise, it's their loss! And yes, they can call any day 8 AM-9 PM. After 9, it's safe to answer the phone.