I think you need to be brave and do it anyway. I think that’s the positive message your theoretical critics would promote, in word and (hopefully) in deed. You might be pleasantly surprised. I know I’ve felt some anxiety about certain projects (and look back on a few others with chagrin) so I feel like I understand where you are coming from.

Oh! Ole Peder Giæver reminds me that there have been a few people who have been shockingly hostile to me, right out of the gate, with no justification. I just block them.