I can understand all that, agree to an extent.
However when you have a government machine coming out with hugely outlandish statements, is that not similar behaviour?
Who is looking at that and saying stop abusing your privilege of position?
Were folk frightened by it and convinced voting out would lead to catastrophic economic developments?
It became a dirty fight no doubt, not sure about the impact on either side; would imagine most had already decided.
For those left, perhaps the dark side, led by Lord Analytica was more attractive.