There is nothing wrong with being cynical, there is nothing wrong with criticism - there are healthy ways and unhealthy ways to do so however.

Yes, you are absolutely right and clear on this. And I agree with this statement big time. :)

And, if one is looking for social support in whatever form that might take, one has to consider the way it is approached and how others will perceive it.

Yep, and it is precisely in this level of things in life when age, advanced age, start playing an important role in how one is looking for social support now. Since after many previous experiences doing it in the same way as everyone else. Now that we are approaching the exit door of this plane. I guess we are now finally a bit more prone to change glasses more often and watch the things fearless such as they are and tell everybody what we see regardless the same, more or less social support we could get.

What is primordial this time, is separate the wheat from the chaff. No matter how high or how low the support of the masses can be to confirm if we are right or wrong about what we are clearly perceiving in front of us. From that moment on, is when the candidates to whom we previously felt the need to agree with, justify ourselves or to account for their support are beginning to be in short supply.

Many years of time investments to learn the lessons are enough to know that we must tell the story such as we are witnessing it regardless social agreement and their eventual support.

While one might not care about what others think, if simultaneously one is looking for support from those same people, it is going to get uncomfortable.

Again, Agreed!! it certainly is going to get uncomfortable. But also take in account and never lose sight that all this is just matter of age. :)

Cheers!!