I am only speaking for myself. I don't concern myself with what anyone thinks of my beliefs. If such a person should laugh, then first of all they aren't a friend of mine. I've always had friends that while they may not share my beliefs, they respect them.
I do think that if we should discover he is really gone, there will be a profound sadness. I've been reading the "goodbye" thread. It is for me, for understandable how some folks feel the need to leave.
For me, as I've stated at the beginning, I've always believed he hoaxed his death. However I've also stated that if I should find that I am incorrect, I will stay in the forum so that justice can be served.
Sometimes, the internet is the only solace & group support one can obtain. It's quite obvious from many posters that many of our friends/family do not support a hoax belief. It is for this reason that no matter what happens, we have each other to lean on towards the end of the journey.