Final answer:
The author includes the phrase to express self-awareness of their skepticism, which serves to establish credibility and strengthen their argument by showing it convinces even the typically doubtful. This method of engaging the reader enhances the text's persuasiveness and meets or challenges conventional expectations in rhetorically effective ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author includes the phrase “even to suspicious curmudgeons like me” as a way of expressing their self-awareness and skepticism. This personal confession suggests that the evidence or argument presented in the text is so compelling that it could convince even those who are typically doubtful or hard to persuade. By using this phrase, the author is establishing credibility and acknowledging their own biases, which serves as a rhetorical strategy to make their argument more convincing.
This approach also aligns with the broader context wherein the text displays evidence of the writer's intent to meet or challenge conventional expectations in rhetorically effective ways. The inclusion of a personal admission or self-critique is a sophisticated way to engage readers and may add weight to the argument by illustrating that the author's conclusions are reached through a critical and not easily swayed perspective.
By acknowledging their initial skepticism, the author effectively pulls the reader into the action and enhances the impact of the narrative or argument, thereby making the text more engaging and persuasive to the audience.