i think. an easy way to characterize doc is to understand he so deeply wants control of everything around him in arms reach and then some. and then to take that need for control and ask "if he does xyz action, will that control be compromised in his mind?"
he genuinely has so much to lose if he is not feared and respected, his entire organization basically crumbles if they are not taken seriously. so every action, thing he says, people he associates with, would be considered in his mind of taking away his control.
which, then, leads into him doing stuff that *would* compromise control. cus yknow. basic character writing. define a flaw and make them subvert it. not to put on my 2bhank hat, but him "stooping low" as to open up emotionally and actually. yknow. date one of his little goons. would call into question what the public would think of him. even if you dont think there are homophobic ideals in nevadas society, it still applies because its such an obvious weak point, a liability to feel genuine emotions in such a cruel world
i think its so meaningful, in the eyes of a 2bhank context, that doc is willing to give up so much perceived power just to be with hank. doc would not make himself so obviously vulnerable, if that information ever got out, if he did not truly care about hank
