At least they’re alive .... sounds like it was a close call. I had a friend who was backing, got caught in a snow storm, became lost, and died. I’m sure he would have gladly paid the cost of a rescue had he survived.
I am not heartless and I’m glad they were rescued. I hope they learned a lesson. And I’m sorry for your loss. I have lost friends as well - one drowned in the Missouri River scouting a canoe trip for rehab patients.
But, the thoughtlessness of these specific three hikers should be punished. They not only endangered themselves, they endangered the ones who had to go after them.