Thank you “The Little I Know” for that very insightful explanation. Although I am not positive that I heard it before, it rings true, so I will try to verify it with my Rav. But very interesting! And very relevant, coming just after Purim.
I do seem to recall R’ Avigdor Miller advising us to mock Reshaim so that they lose face in the eyes of others that might be swayed to them.