I think you're right on the management side mate, they really haven't helped themselves at all. I'd like to think that Chris Meek/Titan (the landlord) wants them out and to do it themselves. There's a bit of a contradiction on the lease though. Apparently they offered the mgmt a 50% reduction that was refused recently but they've put it up 40% over the last few years.
I know nothing on the terms of their lease agreement. When I had my pub though, I had to run it to the best of my ability etc etc. I'd be surprised if there wasn't something about bringing it into disrepute though.