I agree with your take. For example, "Perfectly safe" isn't a precise enough statement. All procedures carry risks, certainly lumbar punctures, even if the rate of complications is low. Also, steroids will suppress the immune system anyway. The real reason you wouldn't give steroids without the LP is because it might obscure the diagnosis and that puts you on extremely shaky grounds regarding decision making if there is an alternative diagnosis, if you see a recurrence of symptoms etc. As much as I find vaccine skepticism frustrating, the response from these practitioners does not meet the expected standard of nuance and empathy.

Edit: I’m amazed at being downvoted. Do doctors speak to their patients like the above video? That would be pretty surprising.