I thought I explained by example where something that is not eve a filter can and does in fact filter particles smaller than the holes in the mesh, that you can even see through. It is not at all surprising that even cheap masks like the one you mention have some effect, even if just limiting the forward velocity and of the particles come out.
Don't bother playing dumb. A seat belt won't always save your life, but you stand a better chance. A hand tied Swiss seat is not the most secure and definitely not as comfortable and a manufacture harness, but I don't rappel without one if rope is all I got. On white water, I am always in a life vest and usually a helmet, though I know of professionals that have died in the sport wearing better than I own. I was school trained in safety and have led an active life. I have seen more people injured or killed not using minimal precautions (that are not 100% effective) than witnessed or investigated where even minimal protections were used. It's as simple as that.
That's life. That's how it is. You ain't getting out of this thing alive, but with minimal precautions you can usually forestall the inevitable, be it by Covid, your automobile, or that stream you have to drink from in the back country or definitely dies of thirst. Masks just aren't that big a deal to skip as a minimal effort.