He could be tough as nails. Sounds like it from your post here.
Again, I was just talking perception and how this might slot him differently.
Or, it's entirely possible I'm way off.
I hear you.
To be clear, I don't necessarily have an issue with him more so the perception of those evaluators keeping tabs and weighing all info gathered. Potential fodder to lower his stock.
Not hating - just observing from high, high above.