extra fuel
Some airlines do seek to influence the "extra" fuel that is carried, the 3% cost per hour is generally accepted as being the correct cost.
Usually the type of pressure applied is through stories about a pilot data bank being kept of the average extra carried by each pilot or a log being maintained against each route. Sometimes fuel amounts selected are part of sim records
A robust response by the captain usually solves the issue but what pilot wants to carry extra fuel on a given day if he cannot promptly state an acceptable reason, not me
Some pilots have an enhanced fuel awareness after a previous experience. It is normal for each of us to see our own experience as being relevant to current decision making, that is what we are paid for.
My employer has never asked me to justify a fuel decision even when I was clearly wrong, I would have benefitted from a bit of advice but they never sought to interfere, I learnt about being a commander from that.