the 'defense stats' vs 'offense stats' is the big mistake because it provokes cognative dissonance.
you could get the same effect with a little more design/engineering.
the game changes are not as offensive as you would think reading this forum.
i don't really see machiavellian marketing people maneuvering more EA purchases ..
that motivation is always there but i also see rational game-balancing efforts, and i'm as critical as any of you if i see a legitimate target.