- Architecture discussions are often won by the loudest or most senior person, not by evidence or context.
- This behavior degrades decision quality, drives dissent underground, and makes design political rather than empirical.
- Common indicators include decisions aligning with authority, weak facilitation, and rapid dismissal of counterarguments.
- AI can worsen this by polishing weak arguments or making shaky reasoning appear rigorous.
- The problem is less severe when strong opinions are also supported by strong evidence and the process allows real challenge.