Comment by ben509

You can put a lot of effort into crafting a way to ask a thing, and it'll probably work in that specific instance, but it doesn't solve the broader problem.

My working theory of "how to answer questions" is about making my thought process transparent. And, especially, explicitly stating what information I'm lacking.

"I'm looking at your requirements, and I see X and Y so my immediate inclination is that I'd simply use sshd.

And if that doesn't work for you, knowing why can probably nail down what would work."

The transparent thought process gives them an insight into why you're saying the things you do.

And explaining what I need helps them move the discussion forward. It avoids me being a brick wall of incomprehension.