You should research it yourself: 8900.1 volume 5, chapter 7, section 1. Section 2 may be worth reading, but despite the title I doubt any of that section would apply here (unless the airman did not agree to stop flying until the reexam, which is unlikely).

Short version is, if an investigation determines pilot competence may be an issue or involved in an occurrence, the airman is sent a letter, usually asking them to reply within 10 days to set up a reexam (not necessarily within that 10 days). If the airman can't set up the reexam in a reasonable amount of time, usually a few weeks thereafter, then the airman is asked to place his certificate on temporary deposit at the FSDO. This is not reported to OKC and does not go into your airman file. If an airman fails to respond to the letter or does not place the certification deposit when he can't complete the reexam in a reasonable time, proceedings are begun to suspend (not revoke) his certificate and if the suspension goes through before the reexam is complete, it will show up on his record as a suspension.

I hope this helps.
If the airman fails the 44709, it is up to the inspector to determine if he could pass with more training. At that point there are a number of options, similar to before the pilot can place his certificate on temporary deposit until the 2nd reexam, and if not, proceedings may begin to suspend it. The airman may also choose a voluntary downgrade. If unsuccessful twice in a row, most choose this, although it's extremely rare to be in this situation in the first place. If not, an emergency order may be put through to revoke the certificate or rating (basically a downgrade).

Suspensions are even pretty rare during 44709s, inspectors usually want to get them done as soon as possible.

If these airmen got their certificates revoked, as you say, then I'd think the lawyers would be all over it, because that doesn't agree with the 44709 process. I'd bet though that we simply don't have the info and are hearing about this 3rd 4th and 5th hand. Still, it would benefit you to read up on things like this to know what is supposed to happen and what the options are.