I think it “not being retaliation” makes it any more less edgy. If I credibly threaten to beat you up if you do something I have made an illegal threat even if I never punch someone. And I feel it goes along the same lines on the moral level. The relevant distinction would be emotive “I didn’t really mean to” speech vs credible communication of intent. If it is intentional and credible it is very comparable to actually carrying it out.
I think it “not being retaliation” makes it any more less edgy. If I credibly threaten to beat you up if you do something I have made an illegal threat even if I never punch someone. And I feel it goes along the same lines on the moral level. The relevant distinction would be emotive “I didn’t really mean to” speech vs credible communication of intent. If it is intentional and credible it is very comparable to actually carrying it out.