Tony Morris

I agree with that. But consider grown ups who don't whine like that. They might still have an emotional reaction to

what you say. And if you want to get a point across, you might want to avoid their negative emotional reaction.

What if that reaction is itself the primary inhibitor to progress?

I'm no psychologist, but triggering it might still not be the best way to get the point across.

Do I get to decide if I think it is the best way to get the point across, or is that decision left to arbiters?

you get to make the choice. spectators will observe and form their own opinion.

Am I obliged to ensure observers have full access to context, to ensure accuracy in their forming an opinion?

you are not obliged to anything. If you care about the accuracy of opinion, you might want to provide full context