Should I be scared -- C172 over Gross

Nomen Nescio writes:

They exist because some people, like you, are incapable of making
rational judgements and need to be given a set of parameters that they
are told they should NEVER exceed.

They exist because some people, like me, do not believe that they are
omniscient and more competent than the rest of the industry, and therefore use
documented limits to ensure safety.

That's also the reason for at least half the laws in the US.
Standards are set for the bottom of the curve....not the top.

An attitude like this is an accident waiting to happen.