Meh, I don't think they know they're trash. I think they're just envious when people like something that's not done by them. Which is a sign of malicious stupidity rather than self-awareness.
I assure you that they know exactly what they're doing, Howard especially. He (and others) embraced the decline for the sake of money. Keep in mind that once upon a time he worked to develop games that were actually good.
He has his money, and so does Zenimax. Zenimax doesn't give a fuck what they're selling, just so long as it sells and doesn't create PR issues, but Toddikins knows exactly where he stands. Laughing all the way to the bank is all well and good for the first year or two, but once financial comfort becomes the norm, then what? He can't simply stop caring, like the corporate suits don't. His ultimate legacy will be the praise and admiration of a bunch of morons, although frankly I don't think they really stick around long once they move on to the next shit game. That's a very unsatisfying situation to be in for someone who knows he could do much better.
McDonald's hires real, talented chefs to design novelty menu items at their research facilities, but do you think those chefs care what the masses think of their burger? Fuck no. When they return to the restaurant biz, they'll hope to impress people of taste with fresh, excellent food. That's the legacy they'll seek, not how effectively they were able to slop the hogs.
