Forgive me for not reading the next umpteen pages arguing about this, and jumping in here.
What it gains is indeed what you said. And, ultimately, that's important. A message of apathy means CCC can do what they want, as nobody cares and they have higher priorities to gain public sway. A message of apathy means SISU, Wasps, Football League may as well do what they want, as the message being given is that nobody gives a shit what happens to Coventry City. Close it down? Why not, nobody will notice.
Anybody who thinks there is a direct correlation between an action and a change of action is barking. Anybody who thinks that no action showcasing the fact that things are not going overly well is more barking still.
If nobody notices something going under, it may as well go under. Show that it will have an effect, and people, stakeholders, decision makers may, *may* try and help out to ensure it doesn't go under. What's for srre is that doing nothing will not help. Doing something *may* not help... but it might. Why on earth wouldn't you take a might above a won't.