The concecrations were only 16 year ago, what Archbishop Lefebvre did will be judged by history, I can understand and show sympathy for what he did, and understand the arguements that it was an emergency situation. That said, Rome finally offered in late 2001 the SSPX what Abp. Lefebvre wanted, a global diocese quasi independent of local dioceses, but because of Pride and Bp. Williamsons minions, this offer was rejected. The ball is now in the court of the SSPX so to speak.
As for why they were excommunicated, I can understand the position Rome took. Can one imagine if Abp. Hunthausen, Abp. Weakland and Bp. Gumbelton decided to concecrate their own Bishops without the approval of the Pope?
No, it was not pride at all. And Williamson was not the problem. The problem was this--Rome has all the hierarchical power on earth and it is in modernist control. As long as this is the case, traditional Catholicism will be scheduled for execution sooner or later. No goodies offered by Rome changes this fact. Only one thing can change it--conversion by Rome and a return to the true faith and a recognition that its revolution has been a source of destruction and failure.
One sign that was taken very seriously by the Society was Rome's harsh mistreatment recently of the Indult fraternity, FSSP. The minute a dispute arose over a minor liturgical matter, Rome came down hard on the superior general, firing him and several priest theologians who taught at the Fraternity's seminary, then appointing as superior someone more congenial to Rome, someone more accepting of the Novus Ordo. In other words, tradition is kept on a very tight leash and this won't change as long as modernism retains its grip.
So the SSPX is taking no chances. It is convinced the Holy Spirit is behind its movement. It is flourishing in its irregular status. Nor does it believe it is separated in any way from the Pope from its own perspective. If there is a separation, it is unilateral--on his part only. It knows it was not excommunicated and that the talk about schism is absolutely false. So why should it change anything--until Rome converts to the original faith of our forefathers? Why should it regularize its status only to be fitted with a muzzle and be forced to go along with the revolution that is wrecking the Church? Better to stay put and rescue a remmant who are able to practice the true faith.