A counterpoint: We have this in my family -- stronger in some family members, ranging from OK to extreme. My family shares a farm. It has to go. Today I think

A counterpoint: We have this in my family -- stronger in some family members, ranging from OK to extreme. My family shares a farm. It has to go. Today I think it's a form of procrastination. In this family it's often about efficiency and use of resources, but it always comes down to having a "valid reason behind it", as you put it. It can also be a form of trolling, especially when you don't actually want something to be done, if you succeed in getting one or two hangers on. I still believe that doing things collectively is a good thing, but this particular behavior pushes me on, ever so slightly, into the modern, individualistic way where everyone has their own of every thing. You know what? You can always re-paint it. It's not a big deal. I know this might be rich from just one short comment from you, but if I were you, I would be wary and consider this deeply. Your examples remind me of a family member in particular, and it's debilitating.