Reinforcing that image is the better option. Vcdl wasn't/isnt taken seriously with their methods, all the other groups are, however. Empty holsters are painted as extremists all the same so you are in our camp now anyhow boss. Gun owners need to be above reproach not because they are law abiding help an old lady across the street types but because of the awful repercussions facing those who would seek to disarm you. Starting with no more career politician life.
Because vcdl threw out a bunch of dictates everyone was supposed to abide by. Surprise, that ain't how a free country works. More bad vcdl decisions.
I will argue the methods they are employing are already more successful and all you can do is name call i.e "idiotic" and "loons". No one cared about empty holsterpalooza until more boogie oriented individuals broke ranks and are determined to show up armed to the teeth because people no longer care what a few fake news agencies portray them as or what some baby eating governor says they can and cant have. Regardless, even if I'm wrong you'll need idiots and loons to secure your rights once your methods have failed, and they have already begun to do so.