I think assuming that level of _competence_, at least in fields other than diplomacy and public speaking, is a big claim. It's not reasonable to assume that every single ancient senator that's pushing for this is fully aware of the consequences, but it is reasonable to think they simply haven't thought any further than "I need to make it look like I'm doing something, or I'll look bad".

To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail. To a man who only has words, everything looks like a soapbox.