[groby_b]

Let's put it that way. I've had the privilege to work with world class experts in three domains. (And no, I wasn't one in any of those domains, I just got really really lucky)

The people who truly knew what they were doing? Usually extremely kind. They don't need to prove their worth by being rude. They were always considerate of feelings, even when they had to tell you that you were really really bad (ask me how i know :)

None of them had to resort to "objective reality" justifications.

So, just based on that experience, I think we can all afford some kindness. It's not going to make us worse off.