"Negative Philosophies...encourage or promote control of self...."

[APeacefulWarrior]

It takes some form of control to practice discipline - discipline in meditation, discipline in processing catalyst, discipline in analyzing desires. I think what Ra discourages is a more focused control, one that forces the self to overcome something, to bury something, to wield something to further one's control on their environment, rather than spend time with it, experience it, understand it, and accept it. In this sense, as Ra says, control is a short-cut to discipline.

But your point may have merit. I imagine that a negative entity could take this idea and use it to confuse an otherwise positive-seeking entity. Discouraging all forms of discipline and introspection, labeling them as "self-control," could open one up to be more easily manipulated. On the other hand, a positive philosophy which encourages self-control isn't necessarily negative, either. They may simply be encouraging discipline, or feel that control of self is truly a path to doing good in the world (I know some Buddhist philosophies are like this).

It's also worth mention that there's no requirement one go permanently all-in on one strategy or another. Like someone with poor self-control could, through meditation, learn enough restraint to stop getting themselves into bad situations, but without completely clamping down on their emotions and desires. Or, going the other direction, someone who's "too" introverted/repressed can learn to be a bit more open about their emotions without turning into a manic pixie.

In sort of the opposite side of Mahakali's coin, I personally get worried when I see self-proclaimed STOs refusing to ever consider their actions or ever exercise any restraint. I've even occasionally seen the argument made that "We're here to learn love, not wisdom" as a justification for never attempting to apply a little foresight or deeper thought. As you say, this allows someone to potentially be very easily manipulated, or -in worst cases- end up engaging in negative behaviors while convinced of their own self-righteousness. And that's a slippery slope which is hard to stop sliding down, once someone starts.

Either way, I'd think that for BOTH paths, a measure of thought and moderation is ultimately needed whether someone is called towards expression or repression of their desires.