[dofm]

1) Bellard is

2) avoid qualifiers in personal compliments (unless ironic)

[manmal]

I don’t agree with 2). It’s ok to qualify. Sounds sycophantic to not do it.

[dofm]

You can find a formulation that doesn't sound sycophantic without including a qualifier that could be misinterpreted as backhanded, because on a bad day it will be.

(Especially if you are complimenting a person with ADHD.)

[DonHopkins]

"You will be lucky to get this man to work for you."