Oh I agree with you.

Starting from charity is just my method of analysing statements, before proceeding to argue against it. That doesn't mean I consider it likely. In fact, I generally find it easier to spot the flawed premises (such as humility to admit mistake and integrity to put what's right over what's profitable) required to support that assumption.

If I start from the negative position, I find it hard to reason my way out of cynicism (probably because cynicism comes naturally to me) and reach a nuanced position. I also found that a "negative by default" stance is bad for my mental health.