I think that's the point, they are trying to make life increasingly annoying for everyone, especially westerners, until climate change is adequately addressed.

I don't think it works like that tho. Like do they honestly expect the average person is going to be "yeah these activists sure are inconveniencing me with blocking traffic and throwing paint and stuff, let us change our entire political and economic order so they shut up about it already"? I mean I'd very much like to be wrong here if that's what it really takes I'm gonna be personally throwing paint at all kinds of shit but I just don't see it.

I can backseat activist all day and nitpick what they're doing, but honestly it's more direct action than I've ever done for the climate

I can somewhat agree with that, I don't think what they're doing is inherently wrong or harmful or whatever, I just don't think it's really having any impact.