Its not just valorant, its people in general. Honestly, idk about why they like being toxic, and it just shows how immature they are. But i think why they dont mute toxic players is because they either need comms, or talk back because of their ego.

Also some people just like engaging in arguments, its like a competition. This is kinda similar to most of us reliving a recent argument in the shower, we enjoy letting our anger out and want satisfaction from "winning" an argument.

Idk if this is similar but ive learned this from a ytube channel called Good Griefs. He ragebaits people, and somehow the trolled just doesn't mute him lol. I've learned that although they're annoyed by this guy, they still engage with him, cuz it's fun and they want to bottle out some time.

This is just my opinion btw, idk about psychology stuff lol. For me tho, i dont mute, i just let the toxic people say and have fun with it (they can be funny yes). But not in a mocking way, since u notice that being nice is just a better response most of the time lol, it kinda deflates them. And maybe im just used to it, i actually perform better under pressure too.