Yes, that is correct. All of the actions I listed above (except for claims beyond the first) lead to some kind of malus (typically negative opinion) with the receiving end of the action.
It is also completely besides the point as stated was:
"yet only one of them even carries aggressive expansion with it"
Aggresive expansion is a very specific statement. Only threaten war and that only if it is successful causes aggressive expansion. The other ones do not. They simply don't.
You basically have the case where action A:
"Listen up world! These weaklings do not have an heir! All their lands are belong to us! Anyone who says any different will have to fight us to the death for it! Come on, die already! If you don't die this instant I promise we will tear down the walls of every city and fortress, reduce your country to nothing but ashes and have you hung, drawn and quartered! Bring it on!!!!!"
The world listens and understands. In general it does not care though. It just thinks you are not cool, because you - for whatever reason - lose 20 prestige. Only nations you are married are slightly miffed (-50 opinion (worth a gift and influence action)). The nation in question is annoyed (-100 opinion and -25 trust).
Compared to action B:
"My dear friend, ever since that hunting accident a great sorrow has darkened the skies over your lands. We know how you yearn to hear the clatter of children's feet echoing through the halls of your palace again. Would you graciously consider our second born for adoption? May he bring happiness to your troubled halls and also avert the risk of your domain falling under the rule of your terrible rival Russia."
The world listens. "This is the gratest outrage in the history of mankind! To arms world! Yes, everyone! The entire world must unite, christian or buddhist, Chinese or Aztec, kingdom or tribe, no matter! The world must stand as one and put this one province nation in ... Where are they again?"
"We do not know, we have no knowlegde of them or the area they are in."
"It does not matter. I hear they are the worst scum in the universe and must die."
"Sure we all agree"
makes sense?
