I disagree. Fraud is where there is "mens rea". (Definition: The intention or knowledge of wrongdoing, as opposed to the action or conduct).
They were using the merit system in a different way to it was intended but not without the same goals of reducing spam in mind.
Really? Spam is over? Don't be fool, if there is way using something for profit they will do it.
Have you seen some of the other local boards ? The Russian section is extremely tidy in comparison.