There are a few problems with suggesting that the rules were stupid and that therefore people should have ignored them. I believe we have covered them several times, but my job description involves repeating things, so...
-The rules were based on what scientists knew and learnt as they went along and they were aimed at reducing contagion and saving lives.
That is not stupid.
-Other measures that could have been put in place weren't, because the PM didn't attend Cobra meetings, the government dragged its feet, let Ascot and other events go ahead, etc. Many people saw that, saw the case rate and death rate rising fast, and tried to reduce contagion themselves, as best they could. They had to be in the workplace to work, but they maintained social distancing and avoided drinking, or eating together in the workplace because that was not essential and because an airborne virus is transmitted during that type of activity.
That is not stupid.
-There are actual stupid rules (not being allowed to say the PM is lying to Pmt when everyone on the planet knows he is, for instance), but those who break them are systematically punished.
However, stupidity is subjective to an extent and either rules are rules, and stupid ones need to be reviewed, or else they are an à la carte menu. When rules are an à la carte menu, that's the end of the rule of law.
That's where things are headed fast now, because the rules the Tories in power consider stupid are so numerous (rules governing public tenders and contracts; tax rules; rules regarding whom to nominate to certain positions; rules to regulate effluent emission...) and because they are willing to break them repeatedly and openly.
That's rules.
Then there's basic human decency (not letting kids go hungry; not imposing policies that lead to poverty; not smearing politicians and exposing them to death threats; not lying repeatedly to the country). But once you've done away with the rules that more or less bind a society together, and once you show that some people are above the rules, then there's bugger all chance of basic human decency filling in many gaps.