Protests are a material display of force and organization. It is saying "so and so many people are willing to show up and risk life and limb for a cause, despite the certainty of brutal repression by state security forces," with the implication that further escalation can happen if their demands aren't met.

in other words, it’s about perception. That’s not a bad thing, but people seems to be wrapped up and taking personal offense to “perception” lol. If protests weren’t seen as a threat and/or not a material threat, then no one would care or even participate.

Even smaller protests like a woman standing on a street with a sign over her lost daughter being ignored by the police is still about perception. There is a message to be sent and seen. We all hope that something changes, but without an overwhelming amount of force then you have to pivot to hoping the message is enough.