[optimisticcynic]

She is a vicious old bat but noone's perfect. A lot of 70yr olds can't be bothered to sugarcoat things and she's likely never been challenged by people in her social circle. At that age I too may be of the opinion that people I dislike aren't worth having an argument with, kiss them on the cheek, wave them on, then let rip about how I really feel to someone I do get on with. Actually, I think I already do.