>This article comes across as a narrative in search of a justifying story: it could just have easily used a 1980s example of corporate raiding instead

I don't understand your point. The 1980s were over 40 years ago, this just happened. In fact, it's ongoing.

>"just so" story about our feckless and greedy rulers

Oh, that's your point. Yeah, your leaders trading stocks on insider info, politicians selling influence to foreign governments..it's always happened, so who cares?