[wwortiz]

It sounds like an okay idea other than the lying about worrying about your brother.

I would much rather a person be honest than take up my time while keeping up a charade about a crazy brother, if someone did this I would probably just tell them to talk to their brother rather than me.

[SnootyMonkey]

The point about using the "brother" is to provide the distance required to make the stranger feel like they can give truly honest feedback without hurting your feelings.

[gloob]

The parent post said the method was dishonest. You are arguing that it is useful. The two things are not mutually exclusive.

[thirdstation]

You don't have to tell them it's your idea. Or just say you're looking for negative feedback. People like telling you why something won't work too.

Even if you lie and say it's your brother's idea, how many strangers will believe you? It's such a cliché premise.