[phkahler]

>> the ends are actually OK, so that validates (or at least excuses) the deceptive means

The end does not justify the means. In this case perhaps the end is environmentally similar, but then the deception serves no purpose and only discredits them so we ignore everything they say afterwards.

There are side effects to deceptive means that are often worse than the topic at hand.

[anigbrowl]

Yes, that's the point and why I describe equanimity with bad means as a problem.