we need the facts of the situation at hand to begin to construe whether the silence had been either critical or consensual

Well said, Wordwind.

"Silence gives consent" is a wise saying of general truth of no truth if used unwisely.

We give silent assent only to those who are doing our bidding, unbidden.

I'll check my email, too, AnnaS.

Ostracism will be sweet punishment if it lays bare the "power structure" hidden beneath the posts. :)