Being respectful and just being straight forward and direct are the same thing as long as you're not being an asshole while being straight forward and direct.

Being respectful and just being straight forward and direct are the same thing as long as you're not being an asshole while being straight forward and direct. I do agree that it can take extra mental energy to translate "this idea is stupid" to "the downside of this approach is..." if you are prone to thinking in a harsh, cynical voice (I'm guilty of it). That is energy well spent.