I totally agree. The old systems have been breaking down and alternatives are threatening to disrupt their control, and that disruption has been accelerating in recent years.
To me this all looks like a "double down" type of approach, maybe even a pre-emptive strike from the old order. They are going for broke and yes, perhaps cramming 30 years into 3 because the clock is running out on them.....but that just reinforces that this is all about shoring up their control and dominion, not anything that could be remotely considered benevolant or progressive.