Because it&#x27;s rarely in someone&#x27;s self-interest to give honest feedback, which is true for investors, potential employers, departing employees, and almost anyone else in a position to issue some type of denial. Instead, they part with something ambiguous, non-committal, and ideally flattering because it covers their butts and allows them to backpedal if necessary. Since the stated reason for declining the relationship is airy, you can&#x27;t really get in a shouting match over it if the applicant&#x2F;founder&#x2F;whatever disagrees, and you don&#x27;t offend them and preclude the possibility of future engagement.<p>Politically and socially, it&#x27;s almost always best to speak in platitudes, be ambiguous and non-committal, and refuse to give concrete information or rationale that could be used in the future to show that you were wrong about something. People usually <i>do</i> have a specific objection when they&#x27;re turning down a request, but they just know that it doesn&#x27;t help them to tell it to you, which is why it&#x27;s always wise to cherish those who care enough about you to be honest.