I would think their reasoning is that by getting more people to look at the project, they can get a bigger community interested in their token, who can then spread awareness, consider developing on it, and create a group eager to buy once it does hit exchanges.
So why not take the following approach: Hi Guys we have raised many millions from whale investors, please check our whitepaper. We are hitting the exchanges then and then, this is your first opportunity to buy our coins. Isn't this more transparant and honest?