You didn't think the constant detailed questioning about how you play D&D post-COVID, and particularly how you play D&D via online tools and stuff, both as a player and a DM suggested an interest in that sphere?
And the only way they could cleanly get into that sphere is with a new edition which they didn't license out to Roll 20/Beyond/etc.
An interest, yes. That they wanted to create their own tools and start a new edition, no. It was a detailed survey about how we are playing the game and what tools we are using. It's information I'd want to know regardless of whether I was planning a new edition or deciding to make my own online tools. It's all information that could just as easily feed back into how they manage their partnerships going forward and how much effort to put into them.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying your interpretation is wrong or absurd or anything. I'm just saying that I'm not convinced it's the only or even the most likely explanation. But hey, I've been both right and wrong in gleaning WotC's intentions in the past, so I'm not too invested in any given explanation.
AD