I agree with most of what you're saying, but > People will not get angry about the reality of time being zero sum My personal experience has shown otherwise.

I agree with most of what you're saying, but > People will not get angry about the reality of time being zero sum My personal experience has shown otherwise. If people perceive you as standing between them and doing their job, they're gonna get angry. Of course, people shouldn't equate "not being willing to do their job for them" with "not letting them get their job done." But it happens. That's why it's all the more important to be transparent with management about these things. Otherwise, your manager may not be able to protect you if someone tries to stir up drama after you refuse to do their job for them. (All this is to say, I really agree with your conclusion. I just want to point out that people can and do get snippy about the reality of time being zero sum.)