I don't think the question is "are there real life instances"? IMHO the question should be "COULD there be real life instances?" And if there could be, then you need to look at what are the benefits of going conspicuous over inconspicuous (and visa versa).

e.g., If there are no documented cases of mobbing, but you can remotely imagine that there possibly could be, I would still ask myself "Do I GAIN anything by going conspicuous?" If not, then the obvious choice is to go inconspicuous. At least for me. I want advantage to be on my side. Overwhelming advantage.

If you end up in a "fair fight", then you planned very poorly indeed.