I JUST HAD A THOUGHT, AND NO IT DIDN’T HURT:
What if this was all planned out 10 years ago to make us all freak out and go out and buy new computers?................
I wouldn’t put it past any of the large chip manufacturers. I work in the electronics industry and I see what passes for decision making in a highly regulated environment. I’ve also worked for other companies that weren’t as regulated.
Most of the time you will see management looking out for management and doing things that have the immediate impact of making management look good, but are or no benefit (usually a detriment) long term.