They weren't paying "into the system". They were being taxed.
Treat it for what it was, and stop feeding the pyramid scheme.
It might have been better not to make that promise but you can’t blame people for accepting it.
Stop justifying pyramid schemes.
It’s too late, those promises have been made. We have to lie in the bed we made.
All you can do is stop making future promises.
Yes, that involves treating it like pyramid schemes are treated.
That means:
- Arresting those involved in making them - Reclaiming all funds paid out - Refunding all funds paid in
Anything else isn't treating it like the pyramid scheme it is.