Prime Directive: No Straw-manning
The prime directive is that a counter-argument has to deal with the best version of the arguments that oppose yours. If you construct opposing arguments unfairly in an effort to make them appear weaker than they are, you commit the argumentative sin of “straw-manning.” (It’s easier to knock down a man made of straw than a real man, hence the metaphor.)
While straw-manning might work when writing for weak readers, especially those who already agree with you, it will ultimately be an ineffective strategy. All you need is one alert reader who will see that you have straw-manned and your credibility will be demolished. In addition to being potentially ineffective, straw-manning is also simply unethical because it is a form of deception.
If you have a well-considered, worthwhile argument to make, it can withstand engagement with opposing arguments (even if it might lose when put in front of a third party for judgment). But if your argument cannot withstand engagement with opposing arguments without your feeling the need to mischaracterize opposing arguments, you will need to work on improving your own claim and support.
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