That's not white-knighting.
The fact there's literally only the two of you who think it's a good idea whereas everyone else has treated it with the contempt it deserves proves he, and now yourself, are indeed the ones who need to read the room.
As previously stated, no one on the planet owes you exposing themselves.
I guarantee you're either on a list already or will be soon.
You've been a member here for over three years, and this is what you choose to be your first post? Wow.