alt Hacker NewsI think some "interventions" may also be the result of political compromises or "deals" where one side might want the intervention to be ineffective.
E.g. if the tobacco industry is forced to choose between either hard bans on smoking, or a highly visible but largely symbolic measure like changing the packaging, they will probably choose the latter.
Yep, see also: the one-two punch.
Want to cut a social program because you don't want to pay for it, but don't want to look overtly evil? First, shoot out the kneecaps. You're making it more efficient by cutting weight! Second, notice that it can't walk anymore and cut it entirely. We need something better! Optional third step: give a high-minded speech about how attempts to solve problems are doomed so we shouldn't even try, or shouldn't try without an infinite amount of meetings first.
This happens a lot.