You're absolutely right, but they'd never see that because it's not about strategy or anything except ego.

The claim they have no affiliation with the state is absurd. Leaving Twitter cedes the ground to Musk's tactics as you said. But especially over the last twenty years these stenographers and wannabe celebrities have absolutely convinced themselves they're not just the guardians of truth, but of democracy, rationalism, and all that's right with the world.

While my interaction with these types might be limited to some in the UK, if you'd never had to listen to them after a few drinks, the level of self delusion and importance they hold would be unfathomable.