weaken. they are a sort of contextual information. similar to context(outside knowledge or opinions on subjects). the only difference is its being directly stated by the author.

yes, I would say so. it's a type of contextual information, but the main difference from normal context is that its a viewpoint or information directly from the author not from someone else.

context ex- some people say--- a group claims (someone else's opinion, outside knowledge)

concession points--despite, although, even tho etc. ( directly from the author, his knowledge)