No, they (the validation addicts) could not have planned this but the "ones" above them using the $100,000,000.00 Think Tanks are really good at this stuff.
The real "Powers That Be" want this "idiot firewall" between us and them. It keeps the masses thinking...
I think we give those in power too much credit. These people are, and always ha e been terrible managers and terrible leaders. Could they really have planned a psyop?
THAT right there provides all the cover "They" need.
Don't under estimate our opponent. They are playing for all the marbles.
War through deception.