It doesn't have to be quick for bad effects. See https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7908738 for example. I can't find the link now, but there was also an article about one of the older designers (IBM?) making sure the terminal cursor blinks in 1:2 ratio to reduce the problem.
Just don't give random unsuspecting people blinking images as a rule.
Only 10^-6 of the "legitimate" requests would be affected, but a whole lot of the "undesireable" requests would see it...