More people need to learn to just say "No" and stick to it. One of the first basic things everyone needs to know about saying "no" is that you don't offer excuses, you don't give a reason, you just state "No" and move on. Acceptable alternatives are "I'm sorry, that won't be possible" or "No thank you". Repeated pressuring for "Why" should lead to a "I declined. Why are you pressing the issue?"
Unfortunately the general public isn't up to snuff on their rights when it comes to airline travel.