I was under the impression that Cloud & Co. knew that the plan couldn't work (the NPCs at Cosmo Canyon say so if I recall correctly... or maybe I'm crazy), in addition to the fact that it was an abuse of nature and would put to waste a valuable resource.

Despite the awkward writing, I'm pretty sure the main point is that Shinra are still evil, their hasty plans are only a hindrance Cloud & Co., and they can't truly do anything to stop Meteor. It would have been nice if these points received emphasis during the time rather than after the fact.