They're banking on young people or vulnerable people to take the bait. This is probably a silly thing to do with Pat since his audience skews older, but it does work if you cast a wide enough net.
I believe the drying dishes by hand was something Pat picked up from his mom. I don't recall if she ever explicitly said why to him or if it was something his young brain just assumed, but I believe he "chose" AIDS because it was the most extreme thing to be afraid of.
I would argue you're putting the cart before the horse, I don't think it's so much that people are charmed or misunderstand. I think it's more often the case that some people (often young, lonely white boys) are predisposed to falling for charismatic strong men.
