I do think these rules probably work, in general. However, they're probably unlikely to make you all that happy in the long run. I don't want to be constantly suspicious of others. However, if you do have something to protect, and the best way to protect that involves manipulating others, then I suspect you ruthlessly manipulate. The few times in my life that I have actually needed to get something done by deception and manipulation, I've gotten them done.

True, you should avoid being despised, and you should ensure that people generally like you. But do you need to obsess about your public appearances in order to ensure that you're sending the right message? Usually no. Just make sure you can influence the people you actually need to, and you'll do fine.