I suspect it comes down to the word "intent" in part a. It seems a bit weird to require intent but also claim incompetence as not a defense. > Whoever, with i

I suspect it comes down to the word "intent" in part a. It seems a bit weird to require intent but also claim incompetence as not a defense. > Whoever, with intent that another person engage in conduct constituting a felony that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against property or against the person of another in violation of the laws of the United States, and under circumstances strongly corroborative of that intent, solicits, commands, induces, or otherwise endeavors to persuade such other person to engage in such conduct, shall be imprisoned not more than one-half the maximum term of imprisonment or (notwithstanding section 3571) fined not more than one-half of the maximum fine prescribed for the punishment of the crime solicited, or both; or if the crime solicited is punishable by life imprisonment or death, shall be imprisoned for not more than twenty years.