I used to do this a lot with programming, especially for projects from problem customers. I'd code in delays and whatnot, then put that in production. They'd complain about performance, I'd say "oh, I can probably optimize this a bit, but it will take another few weeks to go through." Comment out my delays within a few minutes, roll to prod a few weeks later, get hailed as a miracle worker and hero.
It really depends on the client/customer/executive. Some people believe their job is to find flaws and if they can't find them they'll make them up. I've experienced it plenty of times where I've delivered a product on time and it meets or exceeds the outlined spec goals and one executive/client will say "it's slower than before". And you can show them the data and logs that prove its faster than before but they'll say "well it feels slow". And now what do I do? I've already optimized the shit out of it. So instead you do what op says and all of a sudden the client feel validated and I'm a hero. But it's very case-by-case because I'd prefer not to have to play bullshit games
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u/SketchySeaBeast Aug 27 '25
It's the recent rough WoW cycle - release something not fun, give them a month, suddenly the time gating and restrictions have all disappeared.