That is an extremely valid point...but I still stand by my comment because, personally, I can't just lay down and quit but I definitely see where you are coming from because some people don't have that much fight in them.
Also, to add to your analogy...the mysterious vandal is also lying and saying that it was you're black neighbor who is causing the scratches...so the two neighbors are fighting against each other as well.
Definitely agree, it's complicated.