Personally, I consider it very important to know the rules, laws, commitments, etc., for which I may be responsible, so when I or someone else breaks them, I can clearly note it.

Far out. That is important.

As for your story, it's something I would have done but I hope you understand that a little tact could have gone a long way.

What I was trying to get at you seem to think also. You think you are sending a 'weak signal' that you are committed to something. But you are using words that I think many around here would be suspicious of (e.g. oath and sworn).

You can say you will do something. If someone doesn't trust that assertion, how will they ever trust 'no really I'm serious'.