1. A front-man used to provide cover for a surreptitious operation.
  2. A red herring used as a diversion. See deCSS.
  3. A variation on false dichotomy, adding an element of ad hominem attack, using hyperbole or comical outlying example. A technique of intellectual bullying.

    Unfortunately, people with brains and PhDs do this when they get defensive or knee-jerk dismissive. Signs of deep denial.