So following someone is tantamount to instigating a confrontation? It's only a confrontation if both parties one or both parties are hostile. TM was hostile- he broke GZ's nose and bloodied his head. We don't know that GZ was hostile or if he was willing/wanting to get into a physical altercation- you can be suspicious and not willing to physically engage.

On the night of July 4th after midnight I heard some close firecrackers outside. I looked outside and two 25-30YO's I did not know were in the middle of the street and then they proceeded to my neighbors car. They ducked down and light a M-80 or equivalent and threw it over his fence and into his backyard- looked like they were aiming for the house. They ran for 10 seconds and then did it again to another neighbor. I brought my phone and walked outside and followed them at about 200 yards. They did not see me; I called the LEO and described them. I had no intention of being hostile or getting into a confrontation. If there had been a third to these two who I did not notice who watched me and then circled around and surprised me ... was I the one who can be considered guilty of "instigating a confrontation"???
Was I hostile?

Your "circumstantial evidence" argument holds very little water.