How to Deflect Criticism

Something that has always bugged me is the oft-offered platitude, "Don't offer a complaint if you can't offer a solution," or words to that effect.  The intent of it is ostensibly to stop people from what they would call "whining".  One could also say that part of it's intent is to encourage people to "think positively" and search for solutions.  The problem with that logic is that it makes the assumption anyone capable of finding a problem is equally capable to fix it.  This came to mind when I saw the following:

I see a lot of feedback that says (roughly), "X is bad," and leaves it at that. That's not useful feedback.

It's not enough to say that something is bad. you have to say what would be better.

The Old New Thing : It's not enough to say that something is bad; you have to say what would be better

So let's get real for a second.  Is this intended to find a real solution to perceived problems by his readers or is it merely to shut people up?  I suppose a more diplomatic way would be to ask if he's trying to deflect criticism.  I think there's no question of the intent.  That's one of the risks of a) getting popular and b) allowing comments.  Likewise, I also find the statement to be of the tone one would expect of a child, even though it is a common business sentiment.

Is this something we really want to promote?  I'm not talking about him saying it, but rather the attitude and the mentality.  Do we really want to squelch criticism if someone doesn't know the solution or what would be better?  Tell me this.  How many of these should we press the "you have to say what would be better" philosophy?

• "Doctor, I have this pain this terrible pain and nothing over-the-counter is working."
• "I know that factory provides jobs, but they're polluting the water."
• "My air conditioner is broken"

The problem is that people that say that are usually the ones charged with fixing the complaints.  I'm a programmer.  Trust me, I really don't want a secretary offering query optimization suggestions because her process is taking too long.  That's what I'm paid to do.  Yes, it really is enough to tell me that something's wrong. 

That is not to say that you should put up with "I don't like this" with vague complaints.  You could say, "If you have a complaint, you have to be specific as to what you don't like and why you don't like it."  But I guess that isn't as catchy and it still keeps you from being lazy.