No personal downside for individuals distancing themselves from Q. Preserve credibility for issues they consider more vital.
Not important whether Q is considered real or not. What is important is evidence that we dig or is dropped. Our function is not to prove Q, but to verify or debunk evidence and disseminate info we deem true and significant.
Because of following Q crumbs (regardless of Q's affiliations or motives) we have become a truth squad and Real News media. Lets focus our efforts into those activities. Enough challenge to keep us at the top of our game for years to come.