i like to phrase this sort of question as "i'm assuming you considered this simpler solution, why was that not sufficient?" sometimes the answer is that they di

i like to phrase this sort of question as "i'm assuming you considered this simpler solution, why was that not sufficient?" sometimes the answer is that they didn't consider it and now feel dumb for not thinking of it, but i've never seen anyone get defensive or offended or upset when phrasing it that way.