Apparent strength \(y(\theta)=\theta+a(\theta)\) when the regime has linear costs of manipulation. All regimes with \(\theta<\theta^*\) are overthrown. All regimes with \(\theta\in[\theta^*,\theta^{**})\) choose the same apparent strength \(y^*=\theta^{**}\) and thus generate the same signal distribution in equilibrium. They mimic a stronger regime \(\theta^{**}\) and generate signals for the citizens that are (locally) uninformative about \(\theta\).