I don’t think it was unintended in the sense that the admins didn’t expect these consequences. At least to me, on their posts they seem very aware that what they’re doing is very damaging, but they were stuck with choosing between the lesser of two evils, and they choose what was going to keep them more sane for now.
There’s nothing in my comment to suggest that, and I think you’re projecting here.
I think many unintended consequences occurred from the defederation, and this situation is an excellent tangible example of that.
I don’t think it was unintended in the sense that the admins didn’t expect these consequences. At least to me, on their posts they seem very aware that what they’re doing is very damaging, but they were stuck with choosing between the lesser of two evils, and they choose what was going to keep them more sane for now.