Yes. They thought they could keep skimming. The problem is that their (and everyones, really) business model is predicated on YOY growth and when it doesn’t happen, they fire people to try and recapture funds.
I mean, if your business is able to convert people to a mindset that is more supportive of your business and less likely to regulate it, and all your concerned about is making money, then this is the obvious choice is it not?