Very well put. I wonder if the reason people try to support an accused friend by denying the allegations, is because alternative forms of support haven't occur

Very well put. I wonder if the reason people try to support an accused friend by denying the allegations, is because alternative forms of support haven't occurred to them. For example, if the accused continues to protest the accusation, a good friend might offer to help the accused bring the truth to light. Or if the accused is clearly guilty, a good friend might offer to help the accused find appropriate ways to make restitution, and/or offer emotional/logistical support if the accused will be punished.