There is a fine Old Navy tradition called "A Request With the Effect of a Direct Order" that covers the actions of a senior officer (particularly a Flag Officer or Admiral) in issuing verbal orders to subordinates phrased as requests.
Needless to say, if an Admiral says, "I would appreciate if you would move that aircraft/ship to a different location", that aircraft/ship is going to be moving very, very quickly indeed.
I don't believe that Mister Sessions has served in the Navy but he most assuredly understands and uses that tactic.
JMHO
Understood. Where I work a request from my boss is a polite way of saying he wants something done.
Grateful for your assessment on that stand out word. I guess I need to hear it from someone. In court, one could think it might mean only what it implies. Thanks very much.