Textual: the modern split in the chapters moves this verse away from the discussion of the types of people who were in the crowd. That context of the division is, of course, the reference made in this verse. When Mormon emphasizes that the people left Nephi alone, he probably intends this as a contrast to the two likely alternatives had their been a unanimity of opinion. If people still disbelieved Nephi, they might yet have found a way to accuse him and execute him. This was prevented by the believers. On the other hand, had all believed him, he might have been immediately returned to the judgement seat, or somehow publicly acknowledged. The unbelievers prevented this. What happened, was nothing. They left him alone.