[vehemenz]

Huh? In English orthography, quotes can serve multiple purposes.

Most native English speakers wouldn’t see the parent’s use of quotes (quotation marks) as merely mention.

[albedoa]

This isn't the least bit confusing man. The author confirms the purpose of the quotes, which is effortlessly understandable by native and non-native speakers alike. They were used to quote and comment on a direct phrase from the parent comment.

You absolutely do not need to double down on whatever it is you are doing here lol. Say you were wrong and move on.