If John Adams (my hero) had taken this advice, the USA would yet be a colony of UK. I am not cut out for corporate life or compliance- telling JP Marriott he was being wasteful was one of my greatest stand-up-to-the-dragon moments. Corporate (aka the Sharks) changed their practice after the encounter.

Granted my life would have much less struggle and far fewer stories to tell had I heeded your advice to placate the hierarchy ...

I see your point- and it is Machiavellian.