The radical flank effect is certainly not cut and dry like that and there’s a good bit of study on radicalism in protest movements.

The powerful don’t experience empathy the same way. They won’t be inclined to react to a demand until it threatens their bottom line.

Protesting is good for getting the public to be aware of an issue, especially sustained and highly visible ones, but you need some kind of disruption to the wealthy and powerful for them to care in the slightest.