To your words 'conditioned response' I tend to demarcate between re-action and responsibility.

Derived from your article, I think re-act fits much better than responds with respect to schema, because it highlights more accurately that a certain past pattern is repeated, a conditioned reaction based on the meaning we give it in the past.
Responsibility to me means the ability to respond. Giving a new answer instead of repeating it. Seeing the situation devoid of any meaning we gave it in the past, allowing in new solutions.

I agree with your point that schema help to to understand a variety of negative behaviors. The more we repeat an action the more it runs on autopilot not needing our conscious attention. Especially with fears this potentially entails that we lose sight of the original source of the fear, and thus end up attempting unlocking the door with the wrong key, or we don't mind anymore at all to search for the dissolution of the fear as it has become so repetitive that we consider it "normal".

Mental Silence is really powerful in releasing toxic outdated thought patterns. So I would always recommend that, as it has been by far most effective for me..

Anyways, great interesting article for sure and best luck to you!