It's a fine line they walk.
The mind is a lot more complex than most care to understand, which is why I believe "bashing" a stock might do it as much good as it does harm. Sure, bashing will psych some out (of their original stance), but it can, and will, have the opposite effect on those more cynical minds that are naturally more skeptical.
Some people are simply more inclined to suspect ulterior motives in others, as their view of the world is, more or less, that of a dog eat dog, every man for himself, may the strongest most cleverest survive. They tend to be well versed in the art of deception and masters of (reverse) psychology -- they can't help it, their disposition causes their brain to focus on these areas as it develops.
In many cases this lack of trust can border on paranoia, but it does have its benefits. You can't help but be independent when you can't trust anyone.
I digressed there a bit didn't I...