>Reasonable enough David?

Being reasonable is so not-sexy - be unreasonable (but be polite and professional - as you always are) - challenge the status quo - otherwise - before you know it - you'll be walking around - with a sound -
rin a tin tin
rin a tin tin
rin a tin tin tin
tin tin tin

ringing in your ears. And end up working a help desk and talking to DBAs at big "financial institutions"!
PS
When you "game" a "suck-up" - you need to overact a bit - see how deep you can rub before the mark notices it - but do it politely and with a bit of wit attached:-) Sometimes they notice it not - hmmmm ... a product of Regean era schooling!