There’s no contradiction in acknowledging major problems and still exerting what little influence you do have.

I just disagree this is any sort of influence instead of a palliative.

How does that logic follow? Assuming you both have the same values and are trying to achieve the same thing, then a solution that works for one person will work just as well for another.

You are quoting a rhetorical question. The point I'm making here is that if someone isn't an anarchist and therefore doesn't do direct action, then seeing even anarchists take part in elections, reinforces to them the idea that elections work well enough.