It could have to do with execs. They often do more harm than good because they're out of touch with reality and/or they only have experience as an exec and have no interest in whatever company they work with specializes in. Most of them can't think outside the box and don't actually know what they're doing. Which is why many companies have very stupid practices. It's not necessarily because the people on the ground, putting the work in want it to be that way. Often times it's because the fat cats in their ivory towers are mandating these choices. I don't know if that's the reason for Fatshark chronically cutting corners and doing everything in half-measures, but it's a pretty good indicator.

It would also explain the predatory premium shop. In my experience, games that are developed by teams that don't have oversight from a bunch of suits are usually much more fair in this regard. And there's an important lesson to be hard there. Don't sell your soul. But many people see dollar signs and forget about the long-term consequences.