I think the writer’s reasons are on target.
A potential land grab to backdoor a deal for Chinese wind/solar investment brokered by a Harry Reid relative is probably the root of all of it. That, plus government arrogance and animus toward anyone freethinking and freedom loving.
It did, and might still at some point in the future, hold the potential for becoming another standoff like RR or even worse, Waco. What DID deter them was technology - social media, even though they locked out the area to network helicopters, etc. It didn’t hurt either that Holder and Obama would become an even worse pariah to freedom lovers in this country if they did it, and they knew it.
I also think that the feds got the quiet word from state and local authorities that their goon troops would not be getting support, especially if the conflict escalated to shooting.
Lastly, as the writer indicates - Grassroots. Support is/was strong here for Bundy, and all the other BLM oppressed people. The BLM/Rangers bring in their camoed shock troops, Tazers, sidearms, rifles, etc. thinking themselves akin to SEAL TEAM 6 or something when their charter was more like a Nazi Jew roundup operation. Oppression, plain and simple. They should be ashamed to call themselves Americans.
Reid may be making plans now because he might foresee that his days of Senate majority leader could be about over. He wants to make him some big bucks now.
We should look for a lot of thieving and deals being made before November.