[fit2rule]

I understand you. But I still really believe that if you're in this situation, you've lost control of your customer - and this is your job, no matter what. Sure, users are stupid. We know that. But making them smarter - whether its through a smart application, or a smart process, or smart documentation, or smart other-enlightenment processes .. this is the job of good engineers. Strive to be better at educating the user and you will become a better engineer - its just a truism I've noted.

(Not to say it isn't necessary sometimes to get the gripes off ones chest.. just that it should be seen as an indicator of a failure, somewhere, to engineer solutions for the user.)

[derefr]

So... what happens when the client says "I want a database that's C, A, and P" or somesuch, and then just doesn't believe you/ignores you/etc. when you explain what's wrong with their request? Presume "working in another company" isn't an option, because, in your experience, every other company will do the same thing to you.

I understand informed consent—a doctor can't shrug off the responsibility to get the patient informed enough to say yes to what they're doing with a "just trust me." But sometimes what the user is paying you for is, exactly and precisely, to not have to learn X in order to do X.