I think it can be reconciled as them wanting to sell themselves as indies to the thread. Look do I trust them 100%, no, I'm sure any one of them would lie about this stuff if they felt it beneficial. But I don't know why you think they're worth the focus here when if they're dodgy they've basically given away everything about themselves as far as who they're connected to, if they're anti town they dont really have reason to do it.
I'm not saying trust them wholesale but there are bigger fish to fry and I expect you as town to identify that too.
@Hayumi what are your standards for town Neeko?