> If I were Google, I wouldn’t release research that exposes a competitive advantage.

Isn't that a classic tit for tat decision and head for a loss?

Excellence and prestige are valuable too. You get those expensive ML for a small discount, public/professional perception, etc. Considering the public communication from Google, that isn't complete sociopathic, they know this war isn't won in one night, they are the only sustainably funded company in the competition. Surely they are at risk with their business, but can either go rampant or focus. They decided to focus.