Yes, and when potentially billions of dollars are on the line, you can't trust just anybody.
I get that, but I can also recognize talent.
My perceptions of good intent may be questionable, but actions would speak louder than unfounded suspicions, imo.

We are in an age of invisible code, machine characters capable of execution that don't print and can only be seen in the binary.
But, being of the restivus, I think they shot the project in the foot, intentionally.
Could they have a good reason, yes.
Are they gonna publicly state it, doubtful.

Years ago I was told that when the layer one codebase was ready for mass adoption that smart contracts would be worked on.
We are getting those now, afaict.