The funds. There's an ocean of difference between "we finished the year down 98% but we met all of our obligations" and "we finished the year down 100%, and we also failed to meet our obligations". Those obligations include the repurchase and repayment of short-sold stocks sold by the brokerage.

WSB wants a short squeeze. They got that. But, their theory is that it isn't over, and if they get the 10x+ returns in the coming weeks (I don't think they will, but lets say they do), then these funds are potentially looking at commitments that approach their AUM, and a nasty margin call. That's a real recipe for shutting down, and if that happens, there is no more short to squeeze. Everyone loses.