People did/do take chances: it was not always clear what was allowed and what was crossing the line. * the allowed range of expression used to depend on the po

People did/do take chances: it was not always clear what was allowed and what was crossing the line. * the allowed range of expression used to depend on the political climate (in better times/under liberal rulers you were allowed to say more) * the rules are often not clear as they are not stated explicitly. (however the subjects were expected to know them) * Also some people had more liberties (different degree of toleration, depending on the position in society) * decision to go after someone used to depend on the arbitrariness of some official. Disclaimer: my knowledge is based on historical events, i don't know that much regarding the realities of the present day.