I couldn't disagree more. Standards are not relative. What you're describing in your example is an instance of lowering a standard. The standard does not change

I couldn't disagree more. Standards are not relative. What you're describing in your example is an instance of lowering a standard. The standard does not change because one's tolerance for meeting it is lowered. You're simply accepting that you've failed to meet the standard. You can say whatever you like to excuse it, but it's an excuse nonetheless.