Think about the type of workplace that Google offers, and why they offer that. Professional kitchens, on-site laundry, the bikes, getting speakers to come in and give talks, all that stuff.

Google wants to be more than just a job to its employees. They want "being a Googler" to be a part of their employees life and part of their identity. (I'm not saying this as criticism.)

So, what would Google prefer: An upset Googler, or a happy productive person who is employed by Google? I can see why it might be easier to retain the former than the latter. Especially if they think this is a temporary thing that will blow over, and they might be right.