There is no either or. Just like the question of reform or revolution, engaging in the former (reform/theory) enables one to build towards the latter (revolution/debunking). By struggling for reform, one might be led to the realization that a revolution is necessary. In your case, by reading theory, you are in a better position to do the work of debunking since you’ll have more tools (knowledge) at your disposal.

you can easily do both. Reading more theory helps you to expand your understanding of Marxism, which in turn expands your ability to explain it. Being able to explain Marxism further helps you to explain anti-communist propaganda against it. As well, many modern Marxist-Leninist writers mix debunking propaganda into their theory, Parenti does it often from what I’ve seen.

If you’re concerned about being able to disprove some of your friends and family’s understandings of AES, then I would suggest taking the time to read some of the various masterposts here and on reddit disproving propaganda. But you don’t have to make it an either/or situation.

I’d say go for theory or history.

For deunking stuff it’s good enough to know in broad strokes what’s going on.

Don’t bother.

Go for more theory, even the stuff that most tankies like myself don’t go for.

For example: I’m trying to focus more on the field of “Marxist psychology,” which many fellow Marxists don’t know about.

Look for things that people don’t focus too much on; you could help your fellow Marxist-Leninists that way.