I hypothesize based on a critical case study (n = 1) that graders find it more annoying to read papers written with 1.3 line spacing, .4 inch margins, and 10.7 point font than just reading papers that are three pages longer than the page limit.

The logic is as follows:

• if it’s just three pages too long, you show me that you either didn’t read the directions or you decided not to follow them.
• If it’s 1.3 line spacing, .4 inch margins, and 10.7 point font, that shows me that you did read the directions, that you decided not to follow them, and that you think that I’m not paying attention and/or that I’m somehow unaware of how word processors work.