Didn’t Sweden take this risk? Looking at the data, it seems to have paid off unless I’m reading it wrong

No? Sweden had quite a strong COVID response including an entry ban for a while. The government got quiet draconian when cases spiked, but where more targeted than many countries.

They did. With not locking down early, claiming that it was 'nothing', not providing them support during the lockdown, then reopening early. All for the sake of the stockmarket and 'the economy'.

Yes, or at least I was until I remembered those making decisions are mostly older and more at risk of death or issues from contracting covid.