Merrill Lynch Client Survey The author received a survey from the investment firm of Merrill Lynch. It was designed to gauge his satisfaction as a client, and it had specific questions for rating the author’s personal Financial Consultant. The cover letter included this statement: “Your responses are extremely valuable to your Financial Consultant, Russell R. Smith, and to Merrill Lynch. . . . We will share your name and response with your Financial Consultant.” What is wrong with this survey?