1) Even if we say no, we've already taken the mood hit bc you've made clear you have SOME criticism of us
2) Saying no forces us to look weak, which can be even more aversive than criticism
medium.com/@AdamMGrant/st…
Criticizing people has potential benefits & costs for them - you'll have to try and weigh those benefits & costs in each case.
My point is that following an "ask first" policy does not reduce the costs.