<p>Have you read “The Tipping Point”? “Close” isn’t meant in the sense you’re thinking of. </p>
<p>And a lot of rules in the army are certainly “informally” enforced, so you’re wrong there. But obviously, there are many regiments that are rigid and impersonal. And many that aren’t. It’s one of the reasons I really doubt how useful the “Rule of 150” is…the statement just doesn’t seem to be the least bit robust, nor even well defined.</p>
<p>I’d really like to hear what Ben thinks about its actual significance to research. I’d bet on it being close to nil. </p>
<p>I have nothing against you personally, either. Your statement was just wrong due to the sheer diversity and number of the unit under discussion. I only mentioned the other stuff since a ridiculous number of people have told me that (well, in far more colorful language, actually).</p>
<p>I apologize if it upset you, and probably shouldn’t have written that (I would edit the post if I could). Personally, it wouldn’t bother me, but I know that’s not true of everyone. My mistake there; I forgot that this is a relatively sensitive forum. (Not sarcastic)</p>