The same dynamic occurs with real estate agents. A successful agent optimises for quick sales, while giving the appearance of trying to get the best price. Very important to know when dealing with agents if either selling or buying a home.
There are “rules” to how the game is played, and how the information is revealed, and a lot of it seems hidden (in fact I have seen agents that don’t understand the perverse incentives!). A seller’s agent will usually need to make sure they have deniability, and they will prefer options where the vendor remains happy (so the vendor will use them again, and recommend the agent to other sellers).
I have only a very little experience, and none in the USA, but that was what I noticed in my own country.
It surprises me how little effort people put into understanding the game, given that playing it well can easily make the same difference as many years of income.
This would likely be more difficult for an average person to pull off, but can be a great mutual win if you pull it off.
For the sellers, maybe, but I don't think I'd be at all comfortable selling a home without a (good) agent.
I'll 100% agree with you that most realtors are bad. The good ones are gold though.