I suspect the recent space X S&P decision had something to do with public perception.

I think the odds of that are low. It's not like decision maker(s) are watching social media and going with the vibes, but it's almost certain that there's a rich conversation going on behind the scenes in opaque channels, especially with regards to the AI-only companies. And those conversations are likely what drove their decision.

The decision was to do nothing, though. That's not much precedent for going out and punishing lawbreakers.