I think the quacking is reflective of much larger issues. Yes, we all get the lying, excuses, manipulations, and all of that. I also think the vacillation and justification is very common. However, I also think it can be so many other things. In some cases, it can be denial, anger, rage, hatred, fear, defensiveness, blaming, and just life spiraling out of control.
My wife, even when sober, has a need to argue. She has to fight with someone. She thrives on it. She is constantly trying to engage me in confrontations, arguments, and the like. So, the 'ism's are all there. I see it, know it and in order for me to stay and be healthy -- I can't get sucked in. I detach. I refuse to dance with her in her 'ism dance.
All of their "stuff" -- the 'ism's, the BS, the behavior, all of it, is part of their quacking. It's what their entire life becomes. The world, the reality that they see about them, unfortunately, is one only they can see.