Not sure I understand your point. Yes, they did it for a long time, but that is still why I understand they got fed up and will not reopen Aunt Polly's year round anymore. During our trips in 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2018, never once has Aunt Polly's been open when we went to Tom Sawyer Island.
Just opening it "once in awhile" the way they are doing now, to me anyway, is not indicative of a money making, no trouble establishment. I wish I would see it open on my next trip...but I am not counting on it.
I visited the island in April or May of this year and I thought it was looking pretty good. Both mills operating, AA’s operating, etc. had a really friendly raft operator too who genuinely wanted people to enjoy the island.