A conspiracy theory explanation is not necessary as it:

• Operates on the idealistic myopic assumption that common people are an altruistic force for good. The reality is that there is plenty of self-servingness going around.
• Assumes full collusion, removing the simple possible explanation of useful fools being taken advantage of to the maximum. Note that useful fools can still be motivated by self interest. They are just not necessarily fully aware of how they are being used.
• Ties an argument to unprovable points/events.

It doesn't take a conspiracy theory explanation to observe how classic corporate anti-FSFers are very content with social licenses (CoCs) being elevated to a position where they are considered more relevant and have more signal power than the software licenses chosen, or how many new-gen open-source contributors have no problem singing the New Microsoft (and the likes) praises... etc