[latexr]

> Hmm, if the purpose of either is so an "easier" target can be made, I think it could still qualify as a straw-man

Good point.

> I think an accusation of straw-manning is in part a accusation of another's intent (or bad faith - not engaging with the argument).

There I partially disagree. Straw-manning is not engaging with the argument but it can be done accidentally. As in, one may genuinely misunderstand the nuance in an argument and respond to a straw man by mistake. Bad faith does require bad intent.