Because it can be a PR stunt and be s good thing.

I seriously doubt they’d give up this close to the end after years and years of work.

I disagree. Of course it’s a PR stunt, but it’s a good thing for everyone involved. Bethesda gets positive PR and the mod team gets a free copy of a remastered version of the game we all love.

Well yeah, you won’t play the game without buying it. The hardcore mode update is free, though.