As a native Dane with a decentish working knowledge of German, I'd say the Danish word "distanceblænder" ("distance blinder", "distance dazzler") is more fittin

As a native Dane with a decentish working knowledge of German, I'd say the Danish word "distanceblænder" ("distance blinder", "distance dazzler") is more fitting: Someone who (or something which) superficially dazzles with apparent qualities but on closer inspection disappoints utterly. http://ordnet.dk/ods/ordbog?query=distancebl%C3%A6nder http://ordnet.dk/ods/ordbog?query=distancebl%C3%A6nder (I agree completely with your description: some good arguments at best and then only if...)