I honestly don't think persuadable voters will care or even know that she refused to debate.
Attacks like this are actually some of the only ones independent/persuadable voters respond to. Stuff about "protecting democracy" or election denialism gets played exclusively for partisans.
I think Hobbs losing a debate is much more harmful than Hobbs refusing to debate.
No. Unless there's some major gaffe, debates get spun by both sides and end up having very little effect. As long as Lake can hammer Hobbs on refusing to debate, she gets to control the narrative. It puts Hobbs on defense.