I agree, using countermeasures IS cheating.
Is it honest for a polygraph operator to repeatedly tell the applicant that the polygraph machine "detects decpetion", when is doesn't?
My main advice to people has not really focussed that much on using CMs. Many formats aren't amenable to their use.
My advice has been for people to realize that the polygraph IS NOT a test for the truth. The machine DOES NOT detect lies. When examiners say that it does, they are actually lying. The test is based on a lie. And it is important for the polygrapher to get the applicant to BELIEVE THAT LIE.
The polygraph is a cleverly disguised interrogation. Disguised as a scientific test people overwhelmingly believe in due to the "pop" culture. So, when an applicant is told, to their utter amazement that the machine has "indicated" they are lying, when they are actually being truthful, they end up believing THE MACHINE, not themselves. This is just the OPPOSITE of what they should be doing.
Of course, judging by the behavior of four different polygraph operators I dealt with at the NSA, and the attitude of polygraphers posting on this board, it would NOT be advisable to question the validity of the polygraph WHEN BEING EXAMINED. That would be (i,e, telling the examiner what they really think of the process) more calculated to PISS OFF the thin skinned polygrapher who would them be predisposed to FAIL them. For being honest with them. So I my advice is:
1. Answer relevant questions HONESTLY and forthrightly, and stick to your answer.
2. Don't let the examiner convince you your are lying, and must be some big time drug dealer working for Al Qaeda, based on a bunch of stupid scratch marks on the chart. That would be just plain silly! All to common, but silly.
3. Don't get into an argument, and become confrontative over the validity of the polygraph, You'll just piss off the examiner.
4. Let the examiner "huff and puff", call you a liar, whatever, just don't cave in and start playing their game by speculating about why the "chicken scratches" on the chart are zigging when they should of been "zagging". The chart is BS anyway. Just realize that is the interrogative technique they employ. Don't fall for it.
That has been my advice, is that "cheating"?
TC
P.S. As for criminal police polygraphs. Same advice. Don't even taken them. The DA/police is just trying to take the opportunity to interrogate you under duress, without legal representation, when they have only a weak case against you. In these cases, however, you can end up in freaking jail, not just being declined for employment!