Thought, study, discussion, persuasion and time were necessary. And these people are very intelligent. Those who use the Libertarian Macho Flash usually discredit libertarianism. People tend to judge a body of beliefs on the basis of a few statements. If a Libertarian candidate presents ideas that are virulently offensive to an audience, the audience will assume that his other views are equally obnoxious.
Flashing makes enemies.
It creates active opponents to liberty. A viewpoint may be accepted or rejected because of the speaker who presents it. If he is perceived as callous, against all decency, inhumane and disgusting, then he couldn't possibly be in favor of anything worthwhile. This is a logical fallacy. It is also a psychological fact and not to be ignored.