This topic you mentioned, where apparently the managing director of the general contractor was initially not willing to follow your argument, has now unfolded in such a way that you had to back down from your position. Maybe the same applies to other open "points of contention"?
When I talk to clients (who are mostly laypeople in my field) I also hear some bizarre ideas and notions. But I always prefer to talk to professionals who can follow my ideas. We too reject such absurd orders that only bring trouble to both sides. I find that absolutely understandable.
Maybe you could try the following: Approach the CEO, start with an apology ...: "Dear Mr. XXX, I think I got carried away there, sorry about that. I thought that ..., but now I’m informed and you were completely right. However, I would like to ask you to complete this project to our mutual satisfaction and would now like to openly and constructively clarify the remaining points 1., 2., etc. with you. If you are willing to do so, I would be very pleased ....
Good communication makes life so much easier, says someone who learned that only late ;-) - born in ’67
Hi , I think something was misunderstood here, there is no reason to apologize, I’m the kind of person who likes to nod his head, take notes, and then speak up when he is 100% sure. Same with this topic, I took it on board and am currently getting informed... I don’t even need to address the topic anymore, at least not with him. I will discuss a different railing directly with the project manager and that will be that. Thanks to the answers here, I already found another one that complies with the state building code, not exactly what we had in mind, but not so bad either...
The other points still need to be addressed, for example a siphon of a split air-conditioning unit, which in his opinion is not necessary, an under-roof sealing that is not needed on our 10° roof, a suddenly appearing waiver of warranty regarding the black guide rails of the exterior blinds, and much more... But the best was a recommendation from the structural engineer that he gave us (I almost left the building then). To want to install a steel beam, really completely from east to west
under the ceiling on the upper floor, running through several rooms. Luckily, that resolved itself during the conversation, but as a rather quiet guy I almost exploded (internally I still have), just the idea alone is not from this world...
So we keep fighting through and hope for a calm settlement on all points, as I already said, I’m not sure if it will work without a lawyer...