Your history and timeline are a little off.
Gian Bomb only existed because Geoff refused to give kane and Lynch a better score and was fired.
Zoe Quins game was given a good score in 2013 and was outed in 2014, it was the hard proof needed that reviewers were corrupt.
Metal Gear IV, every outlet wanted a chunk of that Sony/Konami adspend.
Hence why I said "didn't set in until 2014"
I'm aware of the situation surrounding Gamespot and Jeff's firing, but that's mostly from busybody upper management shitting themselves at the thought of pissing off ad partners. It was a good thing too, I don't think GB ever bent over for advertisers or to placate financial interests.
Personally, MGS4 is worth the 94 rating. Transparency and ethics are likely something we'll never have with mainstream publications, they rely too much on that revenue stream from advertising. That direct conflict of interest is what lead to the rise of more YouTuber style personality content. A move for the best I think.