That is a really risky strategy. I really don’t see the point.
If Perry had come out too strong initially, he runs the risk of looking like a bully...particularly in responding to attacks by Bachmann.
Decent folks expect a gentleman to take a few blows from a lady...and then respond gently.
From a man like Mitt, Perry still (since he is from Texas) needs to take a few blows before coming back.
Not risky at all...anything else is risky.