[shermantanktop]

I've seen so many engineering teams present bad options, on the implicit assumption that the responsibility for choosing the worst/cheapest option is on the decision-maker. And if they are pressured to deliver bad code, an email trail showing that it was the boss's fault will save them.

It might seem that way, but it isn't.

[cjblomqvist]

A good leader/manager will most likely leave the decision up to the team. A bad team will make the wrong decision and probably blame the leader/manager. The main problem here is the performance of the team - but maybe more importantly the lack of ownership of the team (blaming the boss).

A bad manager/boss pressuring the team to make the wrong decisions - yes, in that scenario the main problem is the boss.

Unfortunately, in my experience, there's often talk about one situation without the other (at least portrayed as the only one). Many times it feels like it's too divert blame and guilt, and to defend what is really the opposite situation. Really makes discussing this topic more toxic and a lot less valuable - much more interesting to discuss the nuances!