Thank you for your very well thought out response. I fear you're right. No, I know you're right. They don't want to give up privilege or power, it really is that simple.

I take your point about showing grace to Mr X. I suppose calling him a "nice guy" was a bit much. However, to have the conversation, I had to set my feelings aside in order to hear what he was willing to say. And he was willing to have the conversation, which I was grateful for, many are not.