A lot of people don’t really want advice, they want you to tell them what decision to make, or they want permission to implement the decision they’ve selected.
Recognize these people and these situations early. If you’re up to it, make the decision or give them permission. If you’re not, save yourself the time and frustration.
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I would go so far as to say that’s the norm. People tend to be so under-assured that they want a second opinion. There’s hardly ever a point in arguing, but an outside perspective (very important distinction) is often welcomed.
Depending on the circle of people you’re around, and the issue at hand, I can definitely see this being the case. I think it also depends on the situation. Some of my friends are extremely intelligent and well connected; on many subjects they solicit advice from a bunch of their similarly intelligent and connected friends, compile it all, and then make their own decisions. But on some things, like gadgets, they just want to be told what to buy so they don’t have to think about it.