I feel your pain with this.
I have tried different approaches with this and the most effective one for where I work is to say to "the business"
yes I can make sure that this server will be backed up - how much data can you afford to lose?
yes I will perform index etc maintenance on this database / server - when (if ever) is the quiet time for it?
yes I will support this database - do you have the handover document stipulating SLAs etc?
By default I will back a database up a couple of times a day and do general maint once a week unless I am told otherwise.
I have found that this approach works where I am as long as you are polite but assertive in saying "unless you tell me otherwise you will get the default" - and get it in writing. The written confirmation is the kept with centrally held documentation about the server / application.
-------------------------------Posting Data Etiquette - Jeff Moden [/url]Smart way to ask a question
There are naive questions, tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, questions put after inadequate self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand (the world). There is no such thing as a dumb question. ― Carl Sagan
I would never join a club that would allow me as a member - Groucho Marx