Having observed them over a decade or so, I came to the conclusion that they don't need to be subtle because to be successful they just need to spread messages (photos, clips, etc.) that are in line with your view. For example, during BLM riots, they were inciting emotions on both sides of the conflict.
Subtlety was never their asset because once we get to the bottom of things, they have no real argument. For example, Putin pushes the narrative that Hungarians living in Ukraine would be happy if their land was Hungarian. But if you really ask these Hungarians if they choose a war over their land in order for this to happen, they would call you a madman. There is nothing to discuss and Putin knows it, and also these trolls know it, so they need to resource to not-so subtle arguments.
It seems to work better when it’s not subtle. You’ll get all the *chan bois relaying your disinformation for the lulz. YouTube and podcaster hucksters trying to make a name for themselves to get a payday from some weird billionaire’s self-funded media machine. In the end you’ll get some local politicians on-board and maybe a US Senator or two.
