To add to conversation, I agree with @krp67 that people “fudging” the data is unethical but people are bound to do this in order to promote themselves in some way to advance, look good, etc. I agree that if I were planning a project I would also submit a number that is on the higher end of the range because it’s always better to be under budget instead of compiling a business plan and data to explain why you are asking/requiring more money. I agree with k9s2 that earned value could in some cases be off, but it should also not be used by itself but rather presented with EAC, ETC, BAC, and PV to show the bigger picture of the project.