It might even be the XY problem, but even if it is. Answer their question, and explain why maybe they should be considering something else after you answered th

It might even be the XY problem, but even if it is. Answer their question, and explain why maybe they should be considering something else after you answered the question. At that point, one is being extra helpful by adding context. Which is in stark contrast to 'that is probably the wrong question, and here is why'. Which is hard to distinguish from being willfully obtuse.