This reminds me of something:
Anyone remember in the 80's the change in the USA from charging for literature at the door to the new 'donation' arrangement? Many of us KNEW the real reason, because the government was going to start taxing sales made by 'charitable organizations', but the society passed it off as a ' loving new arrangement'. It was, surprise! only in the USA that this change occurred, but it was still a 'loving new arrangement.'
Even those of us who knew, forgave it quickly, as if the society was our spoiled brat child, 'oh, aren't they cute.'