[pfannkuchen]

I have also been really confused by this. It reminds me a bit of a clunky, modified, but also less extreme version of face saving in Eastern cultures.

[ehnto]

I can see that, it is definitely a type of saving face I think. Almost like saving face for the team as a whole.

We have a bit of it in Australia but it isn't as hard to pierce the veil. A robust system of banter takes the edge off I guess.