I doubt they were designed from the beginning to be a scam. I do suspect they've been "looking for any way to survive as a company" since about 2006, and some of those ways include various scams.
Most folks, when faced with the reality that their original idea won't work and they don't have any idea how to make it work, fold up the company and go back to school or get a job. Some raise $800M, stack the board of directors with politicians and generals, and try to sell to the military.
Yup. "Think and grow rich" requires creative imagination and some experience to pivot into whatever has a better chance to become profitable, rather than just throw away value and opportunity. Even if folks really do want to get out, sell it to another shop, don't just put dynamite under or walk away.
I think this was always the plan - at least from early on. The only thing that surprises me is why Theranos didn't close up shop once the original plan failed.
Most folks, when faced with the reality that their original idea won't work and they don't have any idea how to make it work, fold up the company and go back to school or get a job. Some raise $800M, stack the board of directors with politicians and generals, and try to sell to the military.