management purges earnings of components deemed irrelevant or distracting so that share prices better reflect company performance) and (2) can present the company in the best light, which benefits both share- holders and employees-a Machiavellian argument that "the end justifies the means." a. Is it good that GAAF is written as broadly as it is? Explain. What are the pros and cons of defining accounting terms more strictly? b.Assess (both pro and con) the Machiavellian argument above that defends managing earnings