[danieltillett]

I used to be a non-technical manager “managing” a team of developers. I later (through circumstances) became a developer. Looking back at the games my team played with me I can see why many managers are cynical about the estimates they are given and attempt to negotiate.

[yarg]

I always overestimated because it was the only way that I could ever devote anytime at all to technical debt reduction.

[BurningFrog]

I'd say you're including necessary maintenance in your estimates, not overestimating!

[koonsolo]

Not claiming it applies to you, but a lot of managers don't understand the difference between an estimate and a deadline. It comes back in all kinds of weird ways.