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It's not a question of intellect; adolescents are emotionally undeveloped. It's extremely straightforward for a manipulative adult to find an emotion they are struggling with and offer them comfort.

This is obviously easier to do with kids that aren't getting the support they need at home, but it's still not that hard to do with those that are thriving.

Totally agree, kids aren't stupid. They also aren't generally able to sense and avoid insidious intent from adults adept at playing socially reprehensible games. I try not to treat my kids like idiots but that doesn't mean letting wolves in the door either. Not that that can be perfectly prevented.

When this approach fails, do you lay any blame on the child?

Blame is for people who've hurt others. My child suffering some painful consequences of their mistake doesn't hurt me (I feel upset about it, but that's on me).