They inflate the data to serve as temporary headline grabbers.
Then the drones who consume the smut run with it and spread it around for so-called poltical points as if the data is legit when it actually isn't.
I've lost track of how many threads I've seen around here where some drone is posting reports highlighting the inflated data in order to promote his or her party or candidate.
The strategy is actually very similar in nature as when they strategically use chained CPI to measure the effect of inflation on the standard of living. Except in that scenario they choose this model to purposefully understate the effect of inflation on the standard of living.
Bunch of no-good, under-handed, dirty, rotten, filthy, stinking lizards if you ask me....