tbt
it seems you asked two questions requiring two answers.
Firstly learning torah is a powerful thing even when done by reshaim. One rayah to this may be from the mesilas yesharim which says that ????? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ?????.
You then suggest the people werent really evil. It appears to me that you are suggesting an alternative pshat which is not pashut pshat for what seems like no reason at all except your first question.
I however dont think your first question is much of a question and would rather learn as the gemara appears to be saying at first glance.