I've watched and read this thread with interest. I don't have a dog in the fight, although I've purchased bfl products and have had problems with products that required customer service. Jody even gave me a tour of the facility back in April-May 2013. I've never been politically correct, so forgive my ignorance for the following.
For who ever it was to say they did not see mexicans/latinos, etc. working at BFL doesn't hold up. When I toured there, there were several men and women (some very cute I might add). Jody said they were college kids.
My personal overall experience with them has been positive. IMHO, both sides of the finger pointing are lying. I think Josh stated their policy best one day on their forum. They only care about their top 20% customers. So are side deals done for the big fish? Probably. Do they care if your $10,000 or less order is delayed? Nope. Are they deceptive? Depends on perception. Illegal? Doubtful.
So let's refill the popcorn and read some more. Don't expect a smoking gun, read what is not being said, and look at it as entertainment.
Given that "intent" differentiates between deception and an honest mistake, the fact that BFL managers are deceptive is not dependent on a persons perception other than perhaps the requirement of normally functioning cognitive abilities.
Illegal? Acts outlawing deceptive business practices exist in most states in the USA. It is my hope that any BFL managers responsible for the deception are eventually held to account.