[jeffdavis]

I'm not sure I agree that there needs to be symmetry between compliments and insults.

I think the right approach is to compliment specific groups and people and behaviors; and criticize only behaviors. The specific people/groups who are behaving well will value the personal credit and build on it; the specific people behaving badly can take impersonal criticism without feeling the need to be defensive.

Occasionally naming names is warranted in criticism, but that's the exception.