It doesn't need to 'imply' anything. It either is or it is not. Miners will take the path that they feel will resolve the issue best and has the best chance of succeeding.
Classic isn't the right path especially since the miners requested 90% threshold (IIRC) and Gavin refused to listen to them. Albeit you make a point though; there is no HF without them at all regardless of how many people switch.