Well, that's a mouthful! I agree that the process you describe happens too often. I'm not certain I am in the camp that believes its a master plan, although I've read some very interesting and very convincing material...
I do believe that our financial markets allow for and even encourage rouge behavior that works against small companies and start ups, in particular, although in general, the behavior works against a fair market.
But this is probably enough off topic from me for tonight :)
Ilene