[.cnI redruM]

No, there's a much bigger difference than semantics. Resigning and publicly stating why you are resigning is laying it on the line. Just turning down a promotion and accepting a smaller retirement check is not a legitimate proxy.

This is particularly true if you later demand the immediate resignation of somebody else.

[leadpenny]

"Resigning and publicly stating why you are resigning is laying it on the line."

Now you're adding your own definition.

Nothing anywhere says you have to make a big noise when you leave. Actions are sometimes enough.

BTW, we don't know what any of these generals said to the Army CofS on their way out the door.