I’m not sure if the (comments in parenthesis are yours).
#5. Ridicule, has nothing to do with fear.
It’s all about pride and frustration and being seen as desperate to defend oneself.
If you are on the defensive you are not in control and are seen as weak and any attempts you make to counter the argument can easily be “ridiculed” again.
I can attest it's hard not to be defensive with a flaming lib.