Well written as expected from you. I can say that you seem to go straight to the heart of what has been dancing around in my mind. You also seem to have run into the same mental barriers that I myself have not reconciled.
As to when it become acceptable to engage in what politicians like to call preemptive defensive force, I have yet to determine that for myself.
I fight in the realm of ideas. Yet, if the land is gradually eroding out from under our feet while I talk and try to sway people, will I eventually only be standing on air?
Over the years I have become increasingly convinced this crippling of cognitive skills is intentional.
Yes, I did not say this in this post, but I too believe it is intentional.
I actually don't think Antifa would exist without this fact. They are supposedly anti-fascist, and anti-establishment when it is clear they know not what those things are. They have become a weapon that can be aimed by emotions, and appeals to authority.
Yes, I am very much faced with a wall of consternation as you are. What concerns me is that preemptive defensive force hasn't been exercised by people that absolutely do not live by the NAP, where does that mean they stand? I just posted a bit on debating relativists that might appeal to you here, very short by my standards :P. I was inspired to write it after reading your post and formulating the above response, I think you will see the connection. It ties in well with your concerns about the Antifa crowd and the appeal to emotion and authority that steers them.