But they are less than the points for playing dirty and not getting caught are. Then you reap both the rewards of the sketchy behavior and the perception of moral behavior.

So the logical thing to do is dump resources into keeping yourself from being caught.

Have our adversaries historically ever taken note and followed more "enlightened" behavior?

Let me ask you, if you heard that in the next town over they started a dog fighting ring would you start one in your town and take your own dog so that he might learn from such "enlightened" behavior?

I sleep much better knowing my dog isn't taught such behavior is acceptable. I would hate for him to bite the hand that feeds him because he learned such, "enlightened" behavior is acceptable and condoned by his owner.

So you do not have an example of any of our adversaries changing their behavior because we are acting more "enlightened", but you want to do it anyway because you believe it is good

I believe democracies are like caring for an animal. I don’t care if my neighbor beats his dog and ends up getting bit, I’m not a cruel idiot so I’m not going to join him.

Disclaimer: I'm not an American.