I delete stuff, sometimes. Like, if I accidentally post stuff twice.
Also deleted some notes with pictures, after I realized I was doxxing myself accidentally. But now I know how to delete only the image.
But, yeah, deleting is often used to confuse people.
Including content-snapshots in the replies and quotes, rather than a mere reference, would help a lot. Like I mentioned in my other note. Even if it weren't displayed, you would have evidence of what you were responding.