1.Epstein was a wake up call that they could be found out and they needed new methods to indulge their anti-social activities.
2.Supporting your main theory, the same fight against "woke." The idea they they should be able to do or say whatever they wish with no consequences.
I think what they want is not directly sexual, although it's related. They want the ability to beat and abuse their underlings (not just ones hired to do such things) like Russian boyars or southern planters. That casual, constant domination.
These are people mad that drill sergeants don't beat recruits anymore, not because they care whether that would make soldiers "tougher," but because they want to use violence on people who can't hit back.
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2.Supporting your main theory, the same fight against "woke." The idea they they should be able to do or say whatever they wish with no consequences.