The rats are first to know what's going to happen because they're deep in the bowels of the system - dirty, dank, ugly, but know the real story. Looking for and taking an exit can be the smart move if you know the boat is going to sink.
Being upset at being labeled a "rat" means you're alive.
This pervasive "don't raise concerns or you'll get targeted" is all too often WHY projects fail: people keep telling the decision makers "everything is fine, we'll deliver on time" while mumbling "ain't no way this thing's gonna make it" in dark corners, leaving those with the power to do something about it unaware of the problem approaching, and looking for heads to roll when it does. If you're going to be punished for speaking up (objectively, professionally) then it's time to get out of a toxic environment.
I completely agree. It is the short timescale that makes toughing it out worth considering. If the project had several months to go and not just six weeks then speaking up or getting out would be the correct courses of action. From the problems described in the OP it seems unlikely any fixes can be applied to avert disaster.
Being upset at being labeled a "rat" means you're alive.
This pervasive "don't raise concerns or you'll get targeted" is all too often WHY projects fail: people keep telling the decision makers "everything is fine, we'll deliver on time" while mumbling "ain't no way this thing's gonna make it" in dark corners, leaving those with the power to do something about it unaware of the problem approaching, and looking for heads to roll when it does. If you're going to be punished for speaking up (objectively, professionally) then it's time to get out of a toxic environment.