Lets not make heroes out of these guys. Lets not forget that they are a team of developers who bid for the UO contract and won it. They must have bid at a competitive price but with that comes their own profit margin. Im sure bigger teams could have also bid but its more than likely that EA subcontracted to the team they thought could keep it ticking over at the lowest price possible. They are not martyr's, and I doubt they care one jot about the game itself. They are a business, won the contract and are doing the job as agreed in the contract.
You are incorrect.
Mesanna has been with UO since very early on starting at the bottom as a QA tester... I believe... She has watched others over the years and slowing risen to the position of Producer... I do not doubt her love of UO... sometimes I question her thinking and often I wish she would relinquish a bit of control... but I know she loves the game.
Misk her husband is the QA tester...
Kyronix was an EM meaning he was a Player just like you and me... hired to do stories and then hired to work on the game... I do not doubt his love of the game either.
Bleak I don't know... But I do know he gives his all for the game he knows the code... that I admire.
Then there is the artist... I question him all the time ... I don't think he understand exactly how important the look and aesthetics of the game are to the players but he's kinda new so I expect he'll get it over time.
Then there is Wraith again former player so I know that they love UO...
So you are insane in your thinking..... and UO has been around for a very long time so remember without this they are out of a job and that I'm sure they know every day.