Still heard nothing from EA or its reps.
When a game is being sold and people are being charged for it, it is necessary to ensure that the game is playable. Whether or not the game developers have abandoned it, if EA is still selling it, they have a responsibility to support it.
As a paying customer, I believe it is a moral obligation for EA to provide this support. I paid for the game, so I expect to receive what I paid for. However, EA is currently failing to fulfill this obligation.
Even if the game is old, it does not excuse EA from providing support for it, especially when they are still selling it. If EA wishes to continue to profit from this game, they must take responsibility for ensuring that it is playable and provide support.
EA, I urge you to respond