Good question. I’m not sure of the answers, because they would have been tailored to each situation - and there would have been a lot more direct feedback to gauge and tailor responses to.
And yes - that is where it gets difficult to distinguish clear boundaries, as indeed, one comment need not equate to a final stance, but can be the opening for an expanding dialogue - and even if it does get off to a rough start, can unfold to new territory and cool insights for everyone...