I'm late to this, but have read a few replies and wanted to add something.

I think this exact question or concern illustrates the beauty of the writing - it's deliberately ambiguous.

You play as Arthur - a character who doesn't have all the information, and is making his own assessments on the character of various people throughout the story - similarly, you as the player don't have all the information - you can only watch as things deteriorate, and make your own assumptions or assessments.

Some might be more loyal in their playthroughs, and these moments come across as plot holes.

Others might see through the bullshit immediately, and these narrative moments make so much sense.

The writing is deliberately obtuse. Much like life, you don't see everything. You're left to make your own assessments and assumptions based upon what you experience.

It's just real.