There's more strength in demonstrating "Hey, do you want this silly balloon back?" after retrieving it without incident at negligible effort/cost.

Which is not at all what is occurring. Having flight tracks of multiple refueling tankers demonstrates far more resources have already been expended on this "not a concern to us" than was spent on deploying it...

Yes, but you know what has even more strength? Sending up our own balloon in the shape of a giant ass and blocking its view.

They could put Carrot Top and Andy Dick on it and send it back?

I understand why the State Department hyperventilates over "Chinese offensive capabilities" but no normal person ever needs to. China is not a threat to everyday Americans.

Sadly, it could also come off as "we won't do anything about it"

Less than surgically removing it with little effort.