Why did the Ascians never try to do these?

[Ardox]

If it helps, my interpretation is rooted in Hythlodaeus, who can tell on-sight that we were Azem and speculates that Emet-Selch did, too.

I don't know, it feels like it spoils the "reveal" moment if Emet-Selch knew and tried to convince his old friend. Also from Tales from the Shadow : Through His Eyes, we know that Emet-Selch is sometime susceptible to bouts of hope

«*Yet in spite of himself, when he cradled the newborn in his arms and stroked that downy hair, he could not help but hope. For what, he could not be certain, but he hoped nonetheless*»