Silence may or may not be disdain, depending on the circumstances.  However, to call a person a Pharisee or rigorist is fairly disdainful.  And that's the kind of language Francis regularly uses, which makes his professions of mercy and tolerance pretty hollow.
I've never been much for "rote obedience," nor has the Church ever demanded it.  Indeed, "rote obedience" to a man by sole virtue of his title is more the mark of a cult.  That's one reason I'm not buying what Francis is selling.  That and the fact it runs contrary to Church tradition, doctrine, and teaching.
As for the issue of conscience, I discussed it above and haven't yet received a coherent response.