A Test. (Score 1)

Being that the only real job of middle management in this situation is translating geek into money-guy; you need to see how well they can relate employee ideas into marketing manna. Make up a silly idea relating to working conditions (like all employees need an x-box for relaxation) ask them to pitch the idea to your management counterpart. Silly ideas are best, as the answer will be No. hey will have to translate that no into something that still allows you to be happy, even though you didn't get your way.