Well you were so anxious to use a lot of words you conflated a few of my ideas. First, I indicate that the government should have no right to tell a business who they must cater to. Thus, a bakery should be able to turn down whoever they want to.
And yes, a business should be able to be reflective of their views - but that doesn’t mean it’s smart to always do so. That’s my only point. They’ve accomplished zip zero nada - except maybe bankruptcy on their part. That’s not, as the Bible says, acting “wise as serpents and gentle as doves.” To do so, would have been to bake the dykes the best cake they could, and maybe charged a little premium on it. Wise as serpents. Gentle as doves. And 150 grand to the good.
As I pointed out, the government would surely support other bakeries who refused to provide goods to someone who the government considers with less favor than the women in this case. Its a great example of some people being more equal than others. A bakery should be able to turn down whoever it wants, but that is not the direction our government and society has taken.
As to the wisdom of expressing principles vs. going along to get along, that is one of the great challenges of life. We have great respect for those who make the difficult choices to go against the prevailing powers, they are honored as heroes throughout history. Those who choose to do the same thing quietly, or play along with those in power often aren't seen in the same light.