Off-topic, this foreigner begs for mercy and enlightenment. The author uses the phrase "Are they to be blamed", which makes perfect sense to me. However, I've c

Off-topic, this foreigner begs for mercy and enlightenment. The author uses the phrase "Are they to be blamed", which makes perfect sense to me. However, I've come across the bewildering alternative "Are they to blame?" (Typically, "Am I to blame?") Do you native English speakers (or else) see the reasoning behind this construct?