They are using a technique out of negotiating 101. Ask for things over the top and get people riled up, then back off to what it is they wanted in the first place.
People wouldn't have accepted their main want so they need to create a comparison. Then after the back away from the bizarre requests people will feel relived to give them the original request (which is still bad).
Psy op.
...and now for what's behind curtain number twoooooo.