There is one error in your analysis. The first point, assuming they have lost money on geek squad installs is incorrect. In fact, Geek Squad was for a while the division that kept BB from going under. That includes their install and computer support.
Most likely the reason this program has come about is that no one can find employees right now. So they are trying another way to find installers.
Civil War reenactment is LARPing for people with no imagination.