"Is there a benefit (think public optics) to allowing your enemy to open the front door?"

Think "fool's mate".

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fool%27s_mate)

Two and a half hours ago I saw what looked like a RC-135 on its way to San Juan airpot in Puerto Rico. I think the Island is close enough to Venezuela for it to deply and listen to Nicolas Maduro's generals in safe air space..