Indeed they do. They think "the metric we've been using to gauge relative fusion reactor performance for the past 50 years". You're suggesting not changing the metric as breakeven is approached is a lie.
It's so absurd when talking about an energy generation technology to talk about any energy metric other than energy in versus energy out, it's unfathomable to me that you could possibly believe it's not intentionally deceptive. Either these people can't be trusted with public communication from demonstrated incompetence or intentional deceit. Which one is worse?
They are using this metric in public communication because they know it gets them funding. Full stop. Do they not stop and wonder "why does this metric get us funding?" Your take is incredibly naive.
It is a bald faced lie. They know exactly what we think they mean when they talk about energy gains.