What expression reflects disappointment in misleading management communication?

The expression that reflects disappointment in misleading management communication effectively captures the essence of feeling let down by a misrepresentation. The chosen option conveys a sense of regret about the manager's influence on the team's understanding of the company's positive status. By stating, "If only the manager hadn't led us to believe that the company was doing well," the speaker highlights a specific action taken by the manager—namely, creating a false impression of well-being. This regret emphasizes the disappointment stemming from being misled, as it suggests that the team's trust in the management's assessment was misplaced.

In contrast, other options either introduce a tone that’s more accusative or suggest a different emotional response. For instance, some alternatives imply more about the company’s perceived failure or overly focus on the concept of false hope rather than directly addressing the disappointment linked to the misleading communication about success. This makes the selected option particularly effective in capturing that sentiment of letdown stemming from manipulated expectations.