Yes in aggregate, that's my point.

Yes, but you're wrong. In aggregate political sophistication isn't increasing. That's my point.

You're arguing against historical trends in radicalization despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.

There are no "mountains of evidence to the contrary."

I have observed it, and of course conservatives aren't going to admit to shielding themselves with it openly

"Everybody who disagrees with me is lying" is a view that's not particularly sophisticated.

If someone holds largely conservative views, but pretends to be moderate to avoid backlash, they are conservative.

Right, but who is even one person who is doing this?