Egwene is only interested in people who can teach her something that she considers useful (i.e., something that will gain her more influence or control over other people, and more freedom from being under anyone's authority). Since the Tinkers are peace-loving, tree-hugging hippies that mind their own business and don't attempt to chase people down to force their wills on them, she has no use for them and doesn't want to be bothered (much like the scene with Mother Guenna, where Egwene scoffs at Nyn bothering to discuss "useless herbs" with a stupid and worthless non-channeler). If they had been known for the power they exercise over others (like Aes Sedai) or had some talent they could teach her that would give her the ability to spy on others and to place where she could behave as though she were the Creator incarnate (like the Wise Ones did by teaching her Dreamwalking), then she'd have been far more interested at the beginning.



The way I read it: after she walked in there and "embraced" the idea, she turned the tables on him and tried to make him seem to be the xenophobe while she was the worldly chameleon. Plus, it's a testament as to how little she knows the people who call her "friend". She is so determined to be superior to everyone around her that she attributes qualities to people she supposedly knows that only a complete stranger would consider. Perrin's physical appearance would cause strangers to be wary, and many would think exactly what Egwene said. She should know better, but the only time she would actually consider that point of view is when she has the upper hand over him and is certain he won't pose a challenge to her authority.



It's a case of projection.



This pretty much sums up why I loathe her as much as I do. She has repeatedly crapped on (as well as badmouthed) the people who would risk their lives for her and walk through fire if she needed it. Perrin...Mat...Siuan...Gawyn (I hate the guy but he deserves better than the way she treats him and expects him to be her mindless slave)...and, especially, Nynaeve (who she nearly allowed, and helped, the Sitters to kill in her "test" just so she could prove she was right) and Rand.

She is a good politician...but, in my opinion, good politicians are pieces of crap who are too manipulative to be trusted, will stab you in the back, and are incapable of being friends to anyone. Her actions and behavior with her comrades prove that point.



This just goes to show what a hypocrite she is, not that we needed any more proof. There is so much of it scattered throughout the series that you can't miss it unless you're as deluded as Egwene. When she actually notes the similarities between her actions and someone she condemns for similar actions, you'll notice she excuses herself with some lame reason ("well, the difference between other Aes Sedai wanting to control Rand and me wanting to do it is that I am right!".