You call it disgusting. I call it infuriating. Yes, they were lying intentionally in the hope that their lies would induce the sleeping sheeple to complacency. To get people to keep spending.
They are still lying. That is what is infuriating to me. Their will be pain for some economically and all the liars are doing is deferring the pain, which will make it more painful for a longer duration. Sickening.
I completely agree with your assessment/thoughts/opinions on this...it's unethical, immoral, and a depraved level of greed.