Honestly, that part about the level being law is so true. I saw a guy trim a sweet older mare into lameness because he was so focused on getting that perfect line he took off way too much heel. Her owner was just heartbroken. Tbh your mentor had it right. If the horse is moving better and the person paying you is thrilled, that's the real win. Some people get so caught up in the textbook way they forget we're working on a living animal, not a piece of wood.

I've found that strict training just makes quiet people shut down.

Those loud messy talks could be pretty awful if you were the kid stuck listening. Honestly, I find the quieter meals way more peaceful, as long as the phones are put away.