You admit it is used correctly in certain situations, but not entirely encompassing the full definition. If someone calls a Democrat a liberal, they’re still using the word correctly, even if they don’t realize why. Yes there are other uses that they are not aware of possibly, but that doesn’t mean they’re using it incorrectly. It’s a broken clock right once a day thing.
Now there are other times it is used as anything left of republicans, which is wrong. I’m highly aware of the global definition, but I appreciate trying to engage and educate about it.
Cite your source. No where are they told that less of them is better.