Yes i think so, it goes way back. Ofcourse its their nature, thats way they have their tentacles gripping tighter and tighter. It may be something from the last 500 years, but that does not negate that it is not part of their plan somehow.

Maybe after the 3rd time they needed to locate they started to think that that may work in their advantage.

Ignoring that is an option, but its not far fetched imo.

Plus i did not say its fact, i said i can imagine this is their MO