We have different definitions of literal, I guess. The first two definitions of "literal" are: "Conforming or limited to the simplest, nonfigurative, or most o

We have different definitions of literal, I guess. The first two definitions of "literal" are: "Conforming or limited to the simplest, nonfigurative, or most obvious meaning of a word or words. " "Word for word; verbatim." Taking the sentence in question verbatim would be "some fraud is optimal". The nuanced (non-literal) interpretation is what Thomas wrote.