Do I have outdated notions of truth and integrity?

From both work experience in over 15 years as a paid decision/policy maker and 30 years as an adult, it is my observation that I may have an outdated definition of truth /integrity.
An example in business was an issue where people were pondering over a step in a multi-discipline process. I was in a position of first-hand knowledge, so in discussion I added a fact and stated “I’d bet my next paycheck on it.” I was that sure of my facts. I later had someone who had attended the meeting and out-ranked me comment that it was “refreshing that you are so-old school. Most people today just throw something out there, and hope that it sticks.”

In my personal life, I have an in-law who will give qualifiers in statements that are obviously wrong. They will make statements like:
“What a well behaved Irish Setter!” (uh, the dog is a Lab mix?)
“Oh, look at the wonderful Apple blossoms!” (These are very tall landscape trees on a road median, which they have seen for the last 12 years, bearing no fruit)

I am just crabby in my old age, or do people just blurt out things because in the present day, people are reluctant (or just don’t care) to correct them? I really don’t think my standard of speaking truth is un-attainable.
This seriously drive me crazy, because I was taught “It is better to remain silent and be thought stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”