You're right the "XY problem" is vague. But that's exactly why engineers cling to it. The concept cloaks a messy, human interaction in the guise of math & logic

You're right the "XY problem" is vague. But that's exactly why engineers cling to it. The concept cloaks a messy, human interaction in the guise of math & logic. It enables an answerer to dissect their questioner without bearing the cost of the questioners feelings. It inverts the power dynamic, basically. That duplicity makes "XY" useless as an analytic tool to improve inquiries. But as a political cudgel to stop inquiries, I think "XY" can be effective. When outsiders are forced to constantly justify and explain themselves in detail, in triplicate, then the price of Q&A will eventually increase to the point where no one wants to ask. I think a CTO who is uncomfortable with inquiries will find the "XY problem" a much needed mental gymnastic.