Social etiquette with editors

I know there is a disconnect in how I deal with these. I was hoping for some sane words on what is socially acceptable.

I have a number of editors I've worked with in the past as a freelance or intern.

Occasionally, I send a pitch to one of them, or a query as to interest in pitches.
I follow up just fine if they get back to me, but if there is no response, I drop it. I assume that they aren't interested, or that they are unhappy with our past interactions and their lack of response is their tactful way of communicating that. But the truth is that I'm not convinced that is a reasonable assumption. Editors are busy people.

I just completed a story for one top dollar magazine I really want to write for. I thought it went really well, although the story has been "backburnered" for future publication. When she told me that, I responded, "Thanks for updating me. In the meantime, are you interested in more story ideas?" and she never responded. What is a reasonable way to deal with this situation?

In another situation, the first editor I ever interned with hasn't responded to any of my emails in quite a while. I occasionally send him a friendly email (when I've just started a new job, for instance) giving him my contact info and where I'm at. He hasn't responded to any of those. Whenever I send a pitch in, regardless of how good I think it is, no response whatsoever. I know the magazine in question is understaffed, but its been a while now that I have been getting no response. How would you interpret this?

I don't believe my judgement in these situations is good, so I'm asking you guys because it might give me a better idea of what this silence could mean! Much thanks for any response.

x-posted to journalists