Contrarians

Adding the The Publishing Contrarian. Smart lady. But I have to ask again: what is it about editing and publishing that brings up this image of cranky, contrary, grumpy, and even curmudgeonly? Perhaps authors want their editors to be picky. But contrary? The writers I've worked with seem to require a combination of buddy and taskmaster. From where does this archetype arise? From the 17th century, I'd guess. Of European origin.