Discussion on my Approach

[itisnihal]

Here is my approach:
I took “his damaging attacks … have been _____” by “his wholehearted acceptance”
His damaging attacks → negative connotation
his wholehearted acceptance → positive connotation
by → support
This means the blank is positive connotation
As for semantics, I guessed “rejected” as the blank

Upon looking at the options, it was between B and C and I eliminated C as it was a bit too strong of a word for this sentence and there was no evidence that the attacks did not yield anything

My question is

1. Is my approach correct
2. I wasted a lot of time worrying about the word “Unfortunately” and how it would fit in this math strategy. Could you please explain how does one approach this question using the first word of the sentence?

[Max]

The outcome i.e the blank is going to be negative as a result of the Unfortunately at the start

Your logic makes sense assuming when you say the blank will be positive you mean -ve x -ve

[itisnihal]

Ah right, “Unfortunately” should be part of the first idea which is from “his … ______” right