> It seems to me that there is some underlying calculus that all these actors have made that issuing a bogus one has a better net effect that a real one. This

> It seems to me that there is some underlying calculus that all these actors have made that issuing a bogus one has a better net effect that a real one. This is the reason why I think non-apologies are a genuinely advantageous long-term strategy, especially for men in position of power. I don't believe it to be an entirely concious strategy resulting from some cold calculation but it seems common among leaders, from soccer team captains to presidents. Maybe some alpha/beta atavism. That is not to say that it's optimal. Throwing a sincere apology every once in a while, especially when it's sincere, may work well.