Spin is important in this story, but I am not sure it is the most important lesson presented. I think it might be worth examining why you went with someone other than your Free Electron when trying to deterine what side you were going to support. Given that Free Electrons are by definition better and more productive, and it appears in this case, more politically aware than previously assumed, why would you choose to listen to anyone else? As a side note, silence is a bad sign in my experience.

Don't misunderstand me. Everyone makes a mistake now and then, I'm probably more guilty than most. You clearly know what you are doing. It's that you know about Free Electrons that makes your error surprising. Is there ever a reason to go against your Free Electron?