How about this framing: It's part of a game that I've seen being played throughout my career in tech (software development). I am in no way advocating for that

How about this framing: It's part of a game that I've seen being played throughout my career in tech (software development). I am in no way advocating for that type of behavior. I'm merely pointing out that it exists, it seems to be a game to some and that those who choose a more genuine path can benefit from the follies of those others, however unfortunate that might be. It seems we are in agreement, though perhaps you interpreted my words differently than I had hoped people would.