... but that's not what Clark is arguing right there. He's not discussing public perception of actions, he's talking about action, period. At no point does he mention things like trust, respect, public opinion, despite that comment by Tasmanian Devil at the start.
Plus, if we are talking about trust and respect... well, I can't see how leaving for another universe helps. Yes, the Ultramarine's rep is hurt far more by this than the JLA's would have been, but was it irreperable? Doubtful... unless they decided not to stay and fix it. Taking Clark's suggestion here smacks of cutting and running, viewed in that light.