People might also be forgetting that they might have asked to be laid off. I had a person do this a few years ago when one of my high performers told me they were leaving soon and wanted a comp package so they could take a vacation and still get paid.
It’s not voluntary. It’s people communicating and doing each other a favor that works for everyone. It’s not far fetched that a VP and a distinguished engineer would have a meeting at least occasionally.
Just stating a lot of people are jumping to a conclusion without any facts.
Look at it this way.
VP: I have to come up with a list of people to let go. It’s a large amount and you have worked across many teams maybe you have some insight on some teams that we should look at first.
DE: … gives some advice. You know I was planning on leaving soon and maybe this is a good time to leave. I can help you hit your quota and you can give me a decent severance package.
VP: I hate to see you go but would be glad to help you out.
You're just speculating and making this all up though. The vast, vast majority of people affected by the layoff didn't know anything was coming. Could be 100% of them.
Sure but the L9 most likely had 1 on 1s with the SVPs who were in the know, and if they L9 had mentioned that they were thinking of retiring soon, especially after how well the stock as done recently, then the SVP might have just put them on the list to save a few other jobs.
