I liked your point Amirtha.
Tit for tat may make us feel relieved after expressing strong feelings, but does not help resolve the matter & even may take it to the next step: animosity. We have to understand that by winning a point (immediate success) one may lose the Ultimate (Friendship). Hence it is necessary to make an informed and enlightened decision (of keeping friendship intact or being frank and blunt).
We also have to start with a belief that 'A Solution to the Problem is Available'. In fact a Problem Remains a Problem because of Absence of a Solution'. This is where 'Answers to the Questions What to Say? When to Say? & How to Say?' assume importance. Knowing all this may not always help as Impulsive immediate (many a times reckless) Action can Defeat Logic and land us with a Poor Result.
I quote a Sanskrit saying, an advice by our forefathers: It says, Satyam Brooyat (Talk Truth), Priyam Brooyat (Talk which is pleasing to the listener) na Brooyat Satyam Apriyam! (but Do Not Talk the Truth if it is Not Priyam i.e. Likeable)
Indeed, pointing out mistake invariably leads to defending own behavior by the other person, which means beginning of an Argument.
Argument, they say, leads to freezing of Opinions and Stopping of Discussion.
Your communique does not say that do not be frank, but insists, do not be blunt. So there is no objection to expressing opinion what is stressed is 'Give Importance to How You Say It'.
That is why I feel that till it is imbibed in mind we should revisit the ppt/the thought process to remind us of the need for patience.
May be the usage of proper words and the tone while making the point, would also matter. I have personally liked the input very much
Regards
Dr Ulhas Ganu