But would you also engage in these behaviors if you couldn't go online and A) project action onto an "army" that neither exists or has occurred; and B) gain social prestige by allying with a dominant narrative?

The question isn't intended to be rude, or suggesting your motives are tarnished. Just a query into the extent online projection (and presumptions about it) affect our choices. Note also that I am distinguishing between your stated choices and the choices themselves.