Big deal. So they got a flag that replicates their community symbol for a bargain price. The symbol was still known by all in the community, and its usage known by everyone up and down the chain of command for the past 20+ years. No one thought anything of it because the ethos of the STA community was well known: they are simply the best at killing, and they take great pride in that.
There is another possibility in all of this, but it would be supposition on my part to put it forward: the invention of the SS device fit with the name “Scout Sniper”, and the symbol of the SS fit with the psyche of inherent evil, coldness, callousness, and emotional detachment towards killing; intended to create fear and subsequent psychological domination of their opponent. In that view, I can see why it happened, and it fits as a likely scenario (apart from the other BS that is swimming in this thread and in the media). Anecdotally, there are stories of STA using playing cards with the SS on it, and leaving a calling card on a new corpse in order to screw with the enemy. But I can’t confirm that has ever happened. Either way, there seems to be at the very least, an intent to make it known that they are to be feared. And I’m all for that. There are no trophies for second place.
But for anyone to suggest that (1) they are Nazis, or (2) they are insensitive to the use of the symbol, needs to have the head gear flushed.
The ethos of STA is to kill and win. There isn’t anything fancy or more diabolical. It is what it is.
“The ethos of STA is to kill and win.”
The ethos of the SS was to murder. There is a significant difference between the two organizations. Posing with the Nazi flag dilutes that distinction and is an affront.
I did not suggest your (1), but I sure as heck suggest (2).