Alternatively, it could be understood that Rabbi Akiva, when he requested Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai to pray for his death, relied on the great merit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai himself, allowing him to attribute these teachings to him in order to receive them from him. And in a similar vein, we find in the Talmud that Rabbi would attribute certain teachings to a certain individual using the plural form. And in a general sense, Rabbi Meir stated in the Mishnah...
Nevertheless, I say this with certainty, regardless of how it may be, that many teachings from later authors were absorbed into this compilation, even though I did not previously consider this possibility. However, I will thoroughly investigate and present my compelling evidence before all knowledgeable individuals in the field of sacred texts and literary compositions. Truly, my heart trembles within me, and I am filled with anxiety and trepidation, for the discovery of these matters raises additional concerns, as in the multitude of sins, truth is not found in the land, neither turning to the right nor relying on the left, and the truth is absent, for the appointed time has not come. Without this, many arise and confront me with their words, claiming that I am wrong, not only in my generation but also in the generations that preceded me, where their smallness is greater than mine. This is not a baseless and absolute falsehood, but the truth is as they have said, 'They became companions to the snake and its associates, for they spoke the truth and disappeared from the world.'