But what I think they could do more effectively is:
0. Recognize the disposition of their opponents (they’re belligerent and you should start there).
1. Try more, it’s not a nobody-gets-hurt game. We put you in power to wield it!
2. Focus more on goals than appearances. Nobody really cares if you look belligerent too. They just say they do. Your focus groups are lying as much as the opponents’ focus groups.
3. Set a better example by ruthlessly policing your own more aggressively. Don’t give anyone the opportunity to say you’re hypocritical.
4. Be willing to lose. It’s hard when you’re disadvantaged in most ways. But don’t play the hard game with all your betting money! Play the harder game with some of it. People are looking for you to be sincere, not just blab values and go fold every hand at the big kids’ table. Sorry for the extended gambling metaphor but it’s what I’d advise.