Here's proof that being a softy doesn't work. If you watch american idol, who do the people respect more?

Every episodes, the audience boo Simon Cowell for his calls that he makes, but it's the idols who are sticking up for Simon and saying his hardness is what makes them look back at things and changes them. Paula is too soft and boring. and Randy Jackson at times seem to be on a I don't want to hurt your feelings type of deal. So he doesn't always tell it like it is. Simon on the other hand is , and I love that about Simon, and obviously so does the idols because they know what Simon says is not to hurt them but to help them. Something the idols respect about Simon.