I think you're onto something as that is the only theory that fits.
Otherwise, why would they take more loss as I'm pretty sure this thing costs more than $99/$149 to make.
Another, rather remote theory is, there is a buyer for WebOS, perhaps Samsung per some rumors, and that is funding this batch to get more devices in the market before it is able to bring its own device. But, it seems too far fetched.
Another, rather remote theory is, there is a buyer for WebOS, perhaps Samsung per some rumors, and that is funding this batch to get more devices in the market before it is able to bring its own device. But, it seems too far fetched.