interesting scenario. Flattering is common, because in this era of showoff humans are hungry for the approval of society. That's why so many of us think that maybe their praise comes in the domain of flattery. But I think like Pal we must praise those who deserve it. Another point is that we humans interpret situations according to our own biases. We connected two different events and gained the results of our own choice. This is how our brain is set at its pattern of thinking. You penned these situations very simply but still interestingly.
Good luck Sur.