I think that the fact that there are assumptions makes it even better.  In a case like this, conversation is necessary.  It's developers or DBAs going off half-cocked that very often causes problems.  That there could be problems forces a person to evaluate the possible problems using a solution would cause.  Sure, it'll take possibly a full minute (with the discussion of the environment) instead of 5 seconds to give a solution, but it'll be a solution that will work with less chance of failure.