It wouldn't surprise me.
The latest addition with the regional export HQ is a perfect example of them tugging at your wallet.
Most of the challenges now in the Contest of Mayors are geared towards the regional export HQ, whether it is earning regional simoleons or completing rows but they have it shut down for 48 hours and open for only 24 hours. So you can only complete tasks if you wait until it is open again, OR, spend real money when it is closed and get rows and regional simoleons.
So, who is the bigger criminal? EA or the hackers? Can't blame the hackers with EA's recent behavior.