How does it work? Well, suppose an atheist is confronted with evidence that his "objections" to Aquinas (or whomever) are as impressive as the fundamentalist's "chicken/egg" objection to evolution. What's he going to do? Say, "OK, I don't know the first thing about Aquinas. But I'm not going to let that stop me from criticizing him!" That is weak at best. But now, courtesy of Myers, he's got a better response, "Oh dear, not the Courtier's Reply" followed by some derisive chuckling. Of course, intelligent listeners will be baffled, wondering how shouting "Courtier's Reply!" is supposed to excuse not knowing what one is talking about. In the confusion, the atheist can slip out the back door before anyone realizes he hasn't really answered the question.