Ray

"never have to tell some folks what I really think" - I think that's a shame
because who benefits?

"I would rather give advice than opinions - that way I do not have to follow
it" - How can you give advice if you don't believe it?

As I said before a critique is just an opinion and everybody's is different.
Your story of the bearded chap illustrates this. It should be constructive
and not destructive and it is then of value.
--
Mark Hancock
South Wales, UK
http://www.markhancock.co.uk