So, is this about expectations of clients or about what work is appropriate for a pay grade?

Our industry is notorious for mismatched expectations. Whether it's with a vendor, a client, or a user, expectations and commitments must be communicated and understood by all parties. Maybe that didn't happen in this case.

Maybe the CEO is a control freak and that's why the need to approve all travel. Or, maybe some employees have screwed the company on travel and he wants a hand in it to stop it. Or, maybe the CEO wants to talk to the friend to see why the mismatch occurred in the first place.

I don't know that I'd be too hard on language and grammar in the editorials. After all, we ARE I.T. people. 😉