This pandemic shook me of most of my inhibitions against conspiracy theories. The "establishment" faced the reality of a completely new crisis, and we got to peek behind the curtain. "They" are far far less competent than we thought. They are very quick to support a consensus, whether or not that consensus is based on solid reasoning (masks don't work, it's impossible for the virus to come from a lab). They are very fast to stamp oposition to that consensus - including literal media and social media bans. They are good at crearing sides and polarization - you doubt the consensus? you're the same as anti vaxers and trumpists. They prefer to use a much less efficient response if it helps their political goals -everything Trump ever suggested is taboo, good or bad. They're slow to change and loath real reform - FDA ... ok, I just can't decide which example to use for that. Just google "fda delenda est".<p>So yeah. Did "they" keep the war going for political or personal reasons, even if the overall effect was waste and suffering? I don't know. But it sure is in character.