Offering a solution/help may in some cases be interpreted as that the person receiving the suggestion is in a position where they need help. -- It's nicer to be

Offering a solution/help may in some cases be interpreted as that the person receiving the suggestion is in a position where they need help. -- It's nicer to be in a position where you're a superior receiving help from subordinates, than to receive help because you're in an inferior position. It's not likely an inexperienced junior will be able to offer meaningful suggestions of improvement to an experienced senior. If the junior makes suggestions to the senior, it's possible the senior will feel disrespected, or that his seniority/experience isn't acknowledged/appreciated. -- By making a suggestion, you're implying that the recipient doesn't know about (or didn't think about) it. If someone asks for help and doesn't receive it.. it's like they're -1, and not being given a +1. I don't think author's point is as concrete as "giving help = status related". Just more of an observation that, sometimes people get upset in communication, and mismatching expectations (different cultural styles) around that lead to stepping on toes.