When we used to have the discussions about Thomas’ previously rare oral argument questions, I heard some appeals attorneys explain that the oral arguments were not the case presentations, which were fully written, but instead, minor nuance chance questions where issues could be drawn out by a Justice. Totally unlike a regular court.
Makes sense, From what I am hearing the justices can’t even believe the CO attorney is making a case, they are shredding his case trying to give him an opportunity to make one and he can’t.