I think you've missed the main point of this rule. The rule enables you to communicate across the hierarchy, instead of having to traverse it. For example: you

I think you've missed the main point of this rule. The rule enables you to communicate across the hierarchy, instead of having to traverse it. For example: you can work directly with someone at the same level as you in another department without having to traverse the hierarchy. This is actually the opposite of the problem you highlight, as traversing the hierarchy often creates choke-points in senior management as they have to co-ordinate everything going through them. Of course, it's good to keep management informed of important issues, but that's what the CC line is for!