Why would they "take it down" when anyone with even a modicum of business knowledge would assume a better replacement would be created and take it's place. This making the next version of Twitter even harder to control.
Taking it over and controlling the content on it is/was the smart play, especially if you're going to fork over the $ to buy it outright.
Stop trying to justify Elon's shit business decisions. He can just be a fucking moron that got lucky with a few strategic purchases.
Bingo.
That dick bag tried to rinse and repeat the same BS management strategy he used at a car company on a tech company and wouldn't you know, it's cratering right before or eyes.
Shocking.