Question: If there is an occasional practical benefit to these shenanigans, so much the better.
If there's a benefit to that, it's great.

Answer: yes

Question: So it'd really be a good idea to surrender before we kill you.'
Surrender your weapons before we burn you alive.

Answer: it is not possible to tell

Question: Correct. Proceed, O Sherlock!
Absolutely right, Sherlock.

Answer:
yes