I do try my hardest to do as you - be as open and honest as possible, at all times - while reserving the right to withhold certain truths, so to not come off as sounding TOO much like an ass/troll, as well I use it when dealing with timid persons (some family etc). That does not mean I do not find it next to impossible to be honest with people whom ask for an opinion, but in truth are really only wanting others to see and accept their work. For them, I sometimes cave and simply give them what they want.

I too do find it unfortunate that many of us often blow sunshine up another’s butt merely because they do not want to offend, and/or ruin potential relations (business etc) with the person asking for the critique.

Oh, BTW, my sheath is intricately woven from many different materials, such as humour, analogies, metaphors and truth! When I draw my blade, I sometimes have to wait to see what type of residue remains on it (the blade) as that tells me what type of response I am to give!