#i really love this interpretation
Nobody who’s actually good at manipulation is known for being good at manipulation.
A truly excellent manipulator is subtle enough that people aren’t even aware they’re being manipulated.
Based on the fact that Curufin is know far and wide for being a sneak, but Maedhros manages some fairly impressive feats of diplomacy and garners our sympathy despite participating in no less than three kinslayings, I postulate that Maedhros isn’t actually less manipulative and sneaky than Curufin. He’s just much better at what he does.
