Why would the density need to be distributed across classes? I think the idea is to have fewer people in the dorms, so that e.g. no one shares a room, to reduce potential for spread of disease.

You want to have fewer people in each class so that they don't have to be in such close proximity to each other.

I think the classes are going to remain mostly online though, the frosh coming in person is more for orientation type stuff.

I think it's pretty transparent that it's just because they need the Freshman class to pay that first year tuition so they're hooked.

After their first semester on campus they're much more likely to deal with remote learning for the remainder.

I think you make it sound more ill intentioned than it is. Freshman year is crucial to forming new connections, finding organizations to join, and adapting to a new environment. It's not just about "dealing with remote learning"; it's also very much about meeting new people face-to-face and making friends they can lean on over Zoom for the semesters to come.

Unfortunately, much of the social substrate that builds freshman bonding is facilitated by older students, from dorm events and parties to students groups and office hours.

not at Harvard