From my perspective, it is easy to pay back money if you’re not reporting a loss on your books. The accounting rules are assisting their “profits” and the banks are just kicking the can for whatever reason, intentional or not, and not foreclosing, therefore no losses occurring. Heck, they’re now not even bothering to file NODs while people live for free in homes.
Remember, the government somewhat insisted they take the money or not come back later for help. The banks were kinda obligated to take it. Nothing said they could not give it back whenever suited them. Wasn’t that a nice display and show?