your logic is that if it is not contained it may became a bigger problem. The danger is that this can be said of anything. In fact religion is based on the same premise: do what we say or you will go to hell.
And your sparring partner is right, you are a coward. You cannot face the realities of this world. To face the intent of what moves around you you will have to give up too much of your illusory safeties. But it is better that you do anyway. The bill won’t get cheaper.
It refers to the presence of a third party between the two primary parties. The function of an intermediary is to be of some benefit to the contact between the primary parties. If either party has reason to doubt this, they may contact each other.
What don't you understand? Say if he has a complaint, or suspects the agent of foul play?