I’m not arguing if a stock goes down and they sell, they don't...

I’m not arguing if a stock goes down and they sell, they don't lose money, of course they do, just like anyone else. And I agree with you that it would be daft to buy a stock solely on the basis you wanted to make something on the side by lending it out. All I’m stating is the obvious fact that these funds have bought the stock because they want to hold it for a long term return and at totally zero risk to their position, they might as well lend it out for a fee and who can blame them. Where you are wrong despite once being a pro, is imagining this process automatically leads to the stock declining, it does not and obviously all these funds around the world who lend stock out to shorters agree or they wouldn’t do it. Did you retire or were you shown the door for not getting this?