>The SNAFU principle: communication is only possible between equals. When an hierarchical divide exists the subordinate will tell the superior what he wants to hear.

Sadly true. As humorously depicted here[0]:

   In the beginning was the DEMO Project. And the Project was
   without form. And darkness was upon the staff members 
   thereof. So they spake unto their Division Head, saying, "It 
   is a crock of shit, and it stinks."

   And the Division Head spake unto his Department Head, 
   saying, "It is a crock of excrement and none may abide the 
   odor thereof." Now, the Department Head spake unto his 
   Directorate Head, saying, "It is a container of excrement, 
   and is very strong, such that none may abide before it." And
   it came to pass that the Directorate Head spake unto
   the Assistant Technical Director, saying, "It is a vessel of
   fertilizer and none may abide by its strength."

   And the assistant Technical Director spake thus unto the
   Technical Director, saying, "It containeth that which aids 
   growth and it is very strong." And, Lo, the Technical 
   Director spake then unto the Captain, saying, "The powerful 
   new Project will help promote the growth of the 
   laboratories."

   And the Captain looked down upon the Project, and He saw 
   that it was Good!

[0] https://www.anvari.org/fortune/Best_Fortunes/820_in-the-begi...