Amlici's popularity was built upon his cunning words and wisdom of the world (v. 1). Likely, he did not openly reveal his hatred for the church of God. Rather, the typical approach is to instill doubts, fears, and prejudices into the hearts of one's followers. How else could such a group feel so threatened by those who had been specifically commanded that they would not persecute those that did not belong to the church? (Alma 1:21) He likely argued that they needed to establish a king from among the followers of Nehor so that they would be free from a perceived political oppression. Whatever his stated motives were, his real motives were not hidden to Mormon or Alma, for they understood that his real intent was to destroy the church of God.
Much like Amlici, the followers of Satan, whose intent is to destroy the kingdom of God are rarely forthcoming with their real motivation and goals. So it is that the anti-Mormons tend to concentrate on their professed concern for the individual who has been duped by Mormonism. They will work to instill doubts, fears, and prejudices, but they will rarely openly admit their real motives as they kick against the pricks (Acts 9:5).
George F. Richards
"One hundred sixteen years ago today the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, by direct command of God, in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, under the laws of that state. Since its organization, the Church has been the object of bitter opposition and persecutions. This has come at different periods, from different sources, and in various forms, but always instigated by Lucifer, the devil, through willing emissaries, with the object and intent to destroy the Church, and defeat the purpose of God in his planning for the salvation of the children of men." (Conference Report, Apr. 1946, p. 95)