Rigorous vs. Lazy Thinking
blog.operately.com> "Hey boss, why don’t we try [insert random tactic that competitors are doing]?"
Sure, this is not the optimal way to pitch to a manager. But why wouldn't the manager be able to point out it isn't a good idea _without discouraging the pitcher_? Why not start / continue the conversation by responding with a question — "Sounds awesome, what would be the benefits short term?" ... "And how about the long term?" ... "Do you also see downsides?".
Sounds like the discouraging part in the articles' examples is mostly the about the manager failing to rigorously communicate about the "management-internal" conversation that leads to rejection...
Yes, managers should make an effort to explain the optimal way and steer the conversation. But also people who are in an individual contributor role can simply get ahead of the game by learning the difference.