Managers want promises because execs need promises because the board is critiquing their job performance based on when they ship the next product.
The board wants promises because they want to know when they get paid.
If you find it stressful that people are turning your vague estimate into a promise, imagine having to make promises on other people's vague estimates.
I fully agree. Technology and platform choice is often the most thought-over decisions that a company's engineering staff has to make. I personally would shy away from saying anything that indicates the slightest criticism on that particular decision. However, I'm sure the review of company X's interview strategy will be very helpful.