Cronos, I have read and re-read what you have offered in this post and you have said it well.
First, I agree with you that there is a tiny minority here who “define themselves negatively by attacking the Church...”. Not only do they define themselves negatively, but it seems to be the focus of their Christian life.
And I also agree with you that these same people do act as if they were spokesmen for all Protestant groups/people. I know that isn’t true and I’m glad you have pointed that out.
I also agree that the relentless attempts to deny, degrade, and dilute Catholic beliefs simply isn’t working, but—rather-—is actually helping Catholics to appreciate, define and defend their Catholic Faith.
We can learn from real believing Protestant groups and, sadly enough, from the mainstream Protestant groups mistakes (ECUSA, ELCA etc). For instance, to learn how the LCMS has been cautious in welcoming “refugees” from the ELCA by rigourously ensuring that these completely agree to the doctrines of the LCMS and don’t bring in ELCA’s liberal policies is something we should all take heed of.