I agree, I am sure there is a lot more to this story, none of the information is first hand and even basic details are unknown.
For example I have come across stories where the client has blindsided the Lawyer, you see it on here plenty of times where the real issues have to be dragged out.
USCIS went full on with this one, it appears to me that something spiked their interest beforehand, my impression in most cases is that the first time the Officer has reviewed the papers is just before the interview.
They went with a Lawyer, now nothing says you can not but how often does that happen?