Everyone can safely ignore all accusations of “virtue signaling” because it is 1) a manipulative play designed to make you feel like a schmuck for having principles and 2) it is hypocritical in that is does exactly what it suggests you are doing.
No, virtue signalling is a very real thing that's usually easy to see and define. Having principles isn't quite the same as smugly but cheaply signalling some moral stance. I have no idea what you mean with your second statement. Pointing out a case of virtue signalling isn't itself virtue signalling.
