I think I'm a bit older than you. They were "jerks" back when I started in business. But things have changed as you've pointed out. I had a run in with the lab

I think I'm a bit older than you. They were "jerks" back when I started in business. But things have changed as you've pointed out. I had a run in with the labor department at my first company. I wouldn't exactly call them jerks (or nice) but I was able to get them to cut in half a 5 figure amount they assessed me (a lawsuit was filed) by having a personal meeting with the local office head. Without an attorney. After I cut the deal I then said "oh one more thing can I have 5 years to pay this back?". And he agreed (I didn't need the 5 years, it wasn't a large amount, but I thought why not?)