I am 100% clear on it and it's indeed a conscious choice towards the path of the least resistance.

I don't like it anymore than you do, I am simply a realist that I can't change the reality of a lot of cops being bullies.

It's a "partial hack" only insofar as it's making them drop their guard and look to finalize the interaction quicker. I've seen these people's faces up close; they are on the edge and any non-cooperation will push them to physically abuse you or even drag you to the station. So I found a way to make them not think of me as a threat, even if two of the times when it happened I had not a minute to waste.

And sadly, when it comes to "people must stand up", it's never us. Always has to be somebody else. Sigh.

Standing up to a bully is asking to be punched in the face. Cops can make your life difficult. And they will.

Agreed.

Having faced potential costs associated with exercising rights, I must say it can go very bad, very quick.

Done right, even when it does go bad, means a likely win in court.

In my case, preventing warrantless home entry involved:

Personal beating, like ouch! People will notice it happened to you type ouch!

An evening in holding.

Long walk home. (I could have gotten a ride, but was a mess mentally and just walked 10 miles.

A few thousand for a defense attorney.

10 court appearances called for at expensive and tiresome times.

Trial.

Tort to recover fees.

Personal unease for about 6 months while it all played out.

Not recommended.

Unless it is worth it. In my case it was more than standing on principle.

Finally, public defenders are not generally what you want in rights violation type scenarios. Be ready to pay up for experienced representation.

Be ready to take the ride, take the beating, pay the money, lose the time.