The fact they seem to deliberately target the rudder first in most of these attacks doesn’t really seem like “play” it seems like an intent to do damage. Why? Who knows, we haven’t figured out how to communicate with them.
Same with humans, with animal what is interesting? The big blob at middle or tangly bits like ears or tail?
Why any species with the slightest ability to memorize would (counter)attack humans?
One can only wonder.
Humans are not particularly known to treat wildlife that well.
I'm all for animals. I just don't think you need to be "animal behaviorist apologists" for anything. People who always blame humans / explain away animal behaviors under some mistaken ideal that animals are always good, humans are at fault.