And moreover, if they know they will get on your case if you tell them the truth, then they shouldn't even expect you to tell the truth.

Indeed, this has been my exact answer in cases where such lies have been found out.

To be extra clear, when I support lying to people who want to pry "pry into your affairs," I am specifically referring to private information which isn't their business. I am not referring to lying to cover up wrongdoing you've committed, or in ways that will cause them tangible harm.

Agreed entirely.

My endorsement of this notion should not taken as a defense of lying in a broad range of situations.

Also, agreed entirely.