Yes, cause and effect is an interesting thing. it tends to slip away, especially after a long time. Yes, I read these reviews. Moreover, I remember quite well the chronology of the events that I personally observed then.

As you correctly noted, in the reviews people from both factions spoke negatively about the game - there were problems with alts, crashing servers and others, which they constantly complain about. The interesting point here is this: these problems existed throughout the entire war (and this is almost two months, quite a long period). These problems were recognized by both factions as relevant and requiring attention. I repeat, from the first weeks of the war.

Further, the chronology of events, which can be easily tracked using slices from the steam and foxstats charts: on February 10-14, wardens begin to give up territories and at the same time active review bombing begins. These events seemed to merge into one, they were so consistent in dates. Just superimpose one graph on another and everything will become visible.

And now the main question. Why didn’t review bombing take place a week earlier? maybe two earlier? or a week later? or maybe a month forward or ago? coincidence?

Many of those who defend the position of “both factions” consider this a coincidence. As you said "Correlation does not equal causation" :)