A reader responds to the Mr Incredible example in my piece about how far one is prepared to inflict – and take – pain in a vital negotiation:

Well yes, but that was a crucial moment, because it showed Mirage that this was not simply a contest of strength.

It allowed her to see her boss for the evil that he was, and Mr Incredible for the good that he was: it allowed her to change sides with a clear conscience.

Perhaps one of your unexpected costs of success?

Fair point.

Or is the fact that Mirage turns on her wicked employer a neat but unconvincing story-twist designed to reassure us that Virtue Wins Through?

How often in real life do bad people get away with intimidating good people, whose resolve is less firm and whose willingness to hit back ruthlessly at the oppressor is limited by their very reasonableness?

Muslim cartoons anyone?