I've also heard the same from friends who have travelled there, particularly females. I've travelled around too and I have to admit Morocco was difficult, it really was. I didn't experience what you had to that extent, but many locals tried were forceful in asking for money for a service you didn't want (such as "showing you around as you were lost"). It was appalling and sad to see. This is why, perhaps, I preferred Chechaouen because the locals there seemed very laidback compared to other cities.