One writer commented that these acts of bending behavior to suit those in power remind "anyone who is under pressure to carry out orders from 'above' to constantly question the validity and prudence of what they're being asked to do." why don't we do this more often?

To survive and keep ones sanity, people look for designs, make drawers in their mind and try to make simpler their daily lives. To question things continually charges a lot of resources like time, intellect and energy. People incline to question things and processes when the condition occurs for the first time. But when a routine sets in, questions won’t be asked anymore. That saves processes and life running. Routine is a good development, but like all in life, there is a dark / hazardous side to it. For instance what if we behave unfair / unprincipled and it became a repetitive activity.