I would tend to agree it is a drastic escalation. The original idea that popular support (and so, the spectre of popular revolt) is part of what drove the CPD into power (and without getting into the various problems I have on a plot level for everything EA-related) is itself sort of against the grain of corporate sovereignty, though: The State isn't a democracy, popular support isn't really supposed to get you into power unless something goes terribly wrong.
I think CCP probably is going toward Heth losing the vast majority of public support, but from an IC perspective the current situation could easily be interpreted as a minority - perhaps a 'small but vocal' minority protesting, rather than a genuine popular movement. Ultimately you might be wrong IC, but that's part of the fun.