> just to avoid talking to/arguing with my neighbors/the busybody brigade

You're right that avoidance is the best bet here, for the time being.

These are people that have been manipulated and fixed with beliefs inserted into their reptile brain.

This is not the neocortex speaking - arguing on the basis of reason (pointing to a study) will not convince them that a mask is unnecessary away from people, in a field or outdoors.

They must be engaged in the same way they were manipulated - by appealing to emotion. It's a tough nut to crack.