hey i understand what youre saying and youre not rude at all but i think that even though the OP may feel that she is not giving in to the snake, the snake may be learning that lots of striking = being left alone.
the snake is probably not truely wicked and is more likely just scared and maybe taking the time to familiarize your presence with it will work.
this is just an idea and certainly not the only idea and hopefully the OP will figure out a way that will work.