One thing which I usually find is that developers don't understand what managers are for.

Most developers think that a manager is just someone who has no clue but the power to bother you.

To put it simple: The developer knows and the manager decides.

It's the job of the developer to understand the situation and come up with several (at least two) possible solutions for a problem, state them in clear words, list the advantages and disadvantages and make sure the manager understands them.

Then, the manager will make a decision. An educated decision.

But often, people don't bother to tell their managers what's wrong and why it is wrong and then, they wonder when the manager makes a bad decision.

I have found that it's very simple to get along with management as long as you keep them posted and you know your facts. When they grill you and you can stand your ground (and you can only do this when you know what you're talking about), then they will start to trust you and your life will suddenly become very easy. Note that even saying "I don't know but I'll find out" is "knowing what you are talking about".

Managers are just people, too. They know that they don't know as much as you do about the problem. They feel uneasy about this. Make them understand and they will be your friends.

Try it. It might be an effort but it really helps to get what you want (a bigger machine, less distractions by managers who want to know what is going on, etc) :-)