They were marketed as working and have similar side effects as pseudoephedrine-based products. I’d think those would be pretty strong contributors to a placebo effect.

This is no different from “cough syrup”, that doesn’t work

If the pharmacy counter is closed, something that maybe might work is better than nothing.

Knowledge. Availability. Marketing. FDA.

But honestly, I would direct my anger at the lack of transparency and oversight in the supplement market, rather than this. Glad the FDA has finally corrected course.