If Google chose to use the "uncowardly" wording, I'm sure someone would just post saying Google is arrogant and cocky bastard. No matter what someone will find some point to complain. Human nature.
"We're unable to" shifts responsibility to something vague, unspecific. It's like the "run around" only with this phrase you've been redirected to /dev/null. I'm glad the OP said something.
> In your case, we have detected invalid traffic or activity on your account
The rejection email isn't isolated, so when it says "unable" it's conveying the implied message "unable to reinstate your publisher account <without bending the rules because we think our ad fraud detection systems were correct>".
The only takeaway is that there is no obviously correct wording for google to make when wielding the banhammer.
Well, that is, strictly speaking, a false statement. I agree the discussion has been civil; but consider that the support to Google's position requires adding phrases to their statement which fundamentally change the statements meaning.
I'm not sure what it's called, something like the opposite of a strawman attack. It is indeed simple to defend a statement when you give yourself permission to rewrite it in a post hoc fashion. It's an argument I find uncompelling, no matter how civilly it's presented.
This is true on kh because ‘correct’ is both a relative term and a black and white one, which doesn’t apply to the situation we are discussing. You have to decide what you value, and perfection is not an option, so there is indeed no ‘correct’ wording, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t better wordings, nor does it make the one they chose ok.
It seems to me that there are many ways Google could be more honest and less opaque.
It seems like quite a few people here (myself included) value those traits and would like to see Google adopt them.
That won’t immunize them from criticism or make everyone agree with their judgements, but it would still be better.
Can you explain what value it adds in this specific case?
Whether they use "unable" or "choose not too" shouldn't matter.
Just treat it the same.
I don't think there would be many complaints if Google didn't take down apps for vague reasons.