I see what you mean about the implication. It may vary somewhat between the career and the political members. I actually know a fairly senior SEC staff member

I see what you mean about the implication. It may vary somewhat between the career and the political members. I actually know a fairly senior SEC staff member (although I have my figures separately from news reporting, as best I remember them), and on that basis I understand that there are levels of management that would like nothing more than to be given the resources to be more effective. As for some (all?) of the people running the show, in my personal opinion (not speaking for this other person), I agree with you. They don't express it openly, but in my observation I've watched some of this person's hope, or at least enthusiasm when the topic is brought up, dim as the 1000 headcount bump that was promised a few years ago has continued to be delayed, and delayed... and delayed. (The bump was orginally intended to boost the roles most needed to increase effective regulation. As described, it actually sounded rather positive. I don't know how that may have morphed, in the meantime -- aside from never (yet) coming through.)