Where Do the Journalists Think They Are?

First of all, I do love the funny comments, pics and twitter feeds about the problems with unfinished hotel rooms at the Sochi Olympics. Just a bit of Western fun time--poking at Putin for not "getting" what Americans really want. Like privacy in toilets stalls vs. killing dogs.
The thing that is odd to me though, is the bewilderment of the journalists. Is it real? Did they really believe the hype? Or do they know very little about mother Russia? 
The hilarious "no standing on toilets" "nor fishing", etc. signs are actually standard form for public toilets in Eastern Europe and Russia. Seems that folks can't get over the fact that they can actually sit on them now!! (I saw this first hand). Mostly because the toilets of the past HAD NO SEATS. So this takes some getting used to.
And the big line of public toilets with zero privacy stalls, is considered too normal to change. Used a restroom like this at a sports complex once (note: you need to be drunk and stare straight forward while utilizing it).
And lastly, the disappointment about not being allowed to flush toilet paper or drink the water. But isn't that so very South American?! Even the Hilton (Venezuela), had the gross little dirty paper bin and bottled water....Not to mention, a few weeks back, my very own Alaskan plumber (after snaking our sewer line) remarked--"you really should stop putting toilet paper in there!"