less likely to have direct person consquences for the people who are thought leaders in the response.

I don't think this is the case at all. Rowling tried to use her influence in support of Maya Forstater's case that anti-trans sentiment was a protected belief. Trans people (particularly trans women) who are publicly visible in criticising Rowling's or anyone else's transphobia are almost certain to face harassment, doxxing attempts and campaigns to get them sacked. It's very much real-world stuff, much as it's often dismissed as "just people yelling at each other on Twitter."