Its insanely easy to see why allot of people are like that, because society has gotten so ultra sensitive to this notion that opinions come from bad intentions, its made allot of individuals guarded about even the most uncomplicated exchanges. In short allot of people spend too much time looking for the hidden slight, so they can be "offended". Possibly the worst word (if not the most abused word) used in the dictionary today. So the default position many have to take is this kind of hand holding posture in case they encounter one of those individuals that get triggered when the wind changes directions. People need to learn tolerance and acceptance when they don't get the answers they might want or anticipate.
I have no problem shooting straight, but I also understand there is a responsibility to understand who it is you're talking to by some measure. If you don't, then pick your words carefully that mean exactly what you intend. The final analysis has always been the same. Its not what you say, but how you say it that ultimately defines its value in delivery.