I distinctly remember a shift in the quality of my colleagues when I started noticing they all pointed out what was good about my equipment/work (I’m a video/audio producer and editor). They saved critiques and suggestions for when I solicited them.

I always attributed it to people needing to reaffirm that they are experts. They don’t really care what they are talking about, they just want everybody to hear them contribute. Perhaps it’s because they are defensive about their own skill level and are feeling “imposter syndrome.” Or maybe they are just super egotistical, who knows. Psychology is complicated haha