What if the reason argument is seen as flirting on Cardassia is because it’s a very risky/personal thing, to express disagreement. Their entire culture is built around loyalty (read: unquestioningly following orders), and for someone to not blindly follow orders is treason, the punishment is eviction from society (whether by exile or death). So to vocally disagree with someone else might imply that they have a close bond where they can safely be disloyal and not be evicted from the relationship.
