"Gently" just means that you are sensitive to the feelings of the person you aren't going to continue sending work to. That doesn't mean you can't tell them why

"Gently" just means that you are sensitive to the feelings of the person you aren't going to continue sending work to. That doesn't mean you can't tell them why. I often do tell them why - it really depends on how they took feedback earlier in the contract. If they are defensive and don't take feedback well, then I generally don't give them final feedback since they've made it clear they don't like it. However, if they've taken feedback well during the contract, then I give them final feedback that will help them improve and win future contracts. The feedback I give is also gentle. Well, I guess everything is done gently. These are all good human beings your dealing with, so why not be gentle? Gentleness doesn't mean you aren't honest with them. It just means that you are considerate of their feelings when working with them.