Sadly, that is the conservatives only choice.
I think you actually have an excellent argument for some people being effected by JW posting like this. Some conservatives, moderates, and even liberals will undoubtedly be turned off by it. Some will not change their opinion of his work at all.
The question is, how will everyone be effected? I can honestly say, my opinion of his professional work hasn't changed. Only a few of the conservative types have said anything truly derogatory, but how many have remained silent? Even if you agree with someone politically, some of those may come away with a disappointed view.
Not everyone will take a dim view of this interaction. Keep it up IMO John and welcome back to the madhouse.