well said, that's basically what I was tying to say in teh op

I'd argue they should, while extracting as much money as possible while delivering the bare of the barest minimums. Looking for another job at the same time.

Any sense of loyalty was shattered by the abuse of power, the org knows that and won't be treating these re-hires as usual, the org will be forever suspicious so give them every reason to be suspicious while being legal. They done fucked.

That works as well. Anything that shifts the balance of power in their favour is fine, whatever that may be per circumstance.

There is something deeper here than just a mass layoff. I think it's something that starts with making Steve Jobs style "tantrums" acceptable followed by normalising bullying in workplaces all the way through "oh he's a genius billionaire - he MUST know what he's doing". Having money and past success does not mean you get a free pass at anything. If we keep accepting it, it will be ever more normalised.