People are always looking for an explanation for big price moves. Instead of just accepting that a bunch of coins were dumped, they need to find something -- or someone -- to attribute it to. Timing the selloffs right while piggybacking on the hash rate war narrative probably helped to encourage more panic.
In the end, you're right, however, Ver's reputation has been irreparably damaged.
CSW never really had a reputation other than being a liar.
Both men are clearly sociopaths.