i dont think it was a joke
why would you put yourself out of buisness?
those who left arent comming back, and even if they do it will be some time before anyone trusts them again.
i think its more likely they are just hanging around untill the utility company turns off the power.
if the rents paid till the end of the month then it can stay open
then without warning poof your screwed so why take chances, download anything still there and put it somewhere safer.
i see it as just a chance to get any file you forgot to get before they shut down