Re: Obliged
obligated is a perfectly valid word (cromulent, even!), not made up as you claim.
Its use in the sentence you fail to quote is correct.
The board is also obligated to explain its reasoning if it does reject that advice
Obligated and obliged both mean "to be morally required to do something", however in normal use obligated is used where the subject has no choice in the matter, whereas obliged is more like being indebted to someone.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
