Are there experiences of people who have better handled such managers as employees?
1st death march managers promised bonuses, extra days off, etc etc for working overtime. Everyone went above and beyond to get things done after which all promises were forgotten
2nd and 3rd death marches I nodded my head while putting in as few hours of work as possible per day. I think others did the same in their own way. In my own mind I figured payment was due from the first go around and they were going to pay whether they realized it or not.
The problem I think is that in these general scenarios management is acting unethically and the dumbest practical thing you can do is to point out their ethical gaps when they are well aware of what they are doing. So I think you ultimately have 3 choices... you either 1) just quit 2) battle their unethical behavior with your own counter unethical behavior or 3) go along with it all (worst of all 3!)
Lastly the way that job ended was that the whole company toppled due to financial problems so in my experience that sort of behavior from management is usually an indicator of a company in collapse.
He didn't fake it, but had unrealistic vision of how things are working irl, thus were hyping them constantly. Millions, correction, billions were just behind that corner.
At the end they faced disappointed and lack of congruency.
THe best way to motivate an employee for free is to complement them on their work. Don't fake a promise.