nepal has way to make money and put food on the table - why wouldn't they do this? Aren't most destinations cheaper off season? people that go to everest buy food and supplies in nepal, hire porters, etc.. = cash in local economy - some climbers is better than no climbers. sounds like marketing 101 by nepal.
This is nepal slashing fees for permit, not the guides. For example, the US park service charges 35 bucks to climb Rainier - Guides charge about $1,000 to guide you up it.
I never bought into this hype that there are people that shouldn't be there. Like everywhere - there are people like that - and your always going to find that there, rainier, mt washington, denali, mt zealand, etc.. But - there isn't going to be a flux of day hikers attempting everest in winter.
I say - why not, there is a demand. Probably give some climber who is qualified a shot he/she might not have had otherwise.
I might say denali/alaskan peaks would be worse in winter and people do that.