The subject of "collective plurals" (see Jeff Sconyers comment in AWADmail Issue 415) has more complexities than he covers.
His first example: "England IS going to lose to the US" would be interpreted in the UK as "The England team ...." and thus IS would be considered correct.
His second example: "England ARE hopeless w*****s on the soccer pitch" would be interpreted as "The England players ....", thus making ARE the correct verb formation. Indeed, saying "England IS a hopeless w***** on the soccer pitch" would be viewed as nonsensical.
As you can see, the two examples are not identical and thus each needs to be considered in its own right.
Now look at: "The committee IS/ARE agreed to implement the decision next week". Committee is singular, even though it comprises a number of people, thus IS would be correct. However, some Brits would use ARE; I don't know what Americans would use.
Or a company called ABC Services: "ABC Services IS/ARE coming out to fix the boiler tomorrow". Again the company is singular, though now most Brits would say ARE.
Sloppy usage of English or plain ignorance ... I wouldn't presume to judge.
