I think the “art of de-escalation” is far too rare in our culture. You never “lose ground” when you graciously step back. Ever. Even if it makes you “look weak”. Ends up making whatever you have to say much stronger.. sometimes when a boxer changes his stance it swings a fight..
Create for the crowd, not the critic. Create for the little girl who is going to belt out the songs about being yourself & knows every word. Critics gave the movie an F. Fans disagreed. Never cater to the heartless & the jaded. The irony is that the movie featured a sad critic.