This app can't run on your PC

You don't have to do anything complicated.  To search, just click the search icon at the top (the magnifying glass icon).

To accept a friend request, just click it.  It will be highlighted just like my missed calls here.

I found the fix. Skype or windows Rt has a side bar on the right. When you are in Skype and swipe from the right, you get a search . Make sure Skype is selected and type the contact name. It first searches the surface Rt then gives you the option to search the directory. But I am still not sure how to except a friend request.

I downloaded Skype from the surface Rt store download.

You must have downloaded something else. Skype is 100% free to use and requires no "unlock" to start using the "people link to access and add friends, the search box to search for a specific use to add."

Here is my experience with Skype from the Microsoft store. I downloaded it fine. None of the links work. To get to the Skype user account I had to do a login to my Microsoft account (imagine that). After setting up the account, I had several pay options but no free option to activate the links on the Skype that are needed for free access. Those included the people link to access and add friends and family, the search box to search for a specific use to add. I even had a user in America send a friend request which I am unable to click on because it is not activated. So the user of Skype on this surface Rt is essentially screwed unless they buy one off the pay prescriptions offered by Microsoft and Skype. One being access to WIFI hot spots even though I am already on a private wireless system. According to what you have said, I should already have access to Skype and be able to do all the things I always could.