However, if the slander goes toward a threat to life, personal reputational damage, negative effect on family, brand, source of livelihood, or acquaintances, I would use a lawsuit to address it.

It's very necessary, because people feel they can just wake up one morning from the comfort of their home and write defaming things about someone they know next to nothing about, except what the person puts out. Lawsuit is the best way to handle such persons.