Here's the real problem: GREE'S inconsistency in addressing these issues.

If you don't take advantage of it, and they do nothing, you're screwed.

If you do take advantage, and they do nothing, you jump ahead as much as everyone else.

If you do take advantage of it, and they do something, no gain or loss.

If you don't take advantage of it, and they do something, again no gain or loss.

The problem is, each of the above scenarios has occurred and you never have any idea of how GREE will address it. So the only real thing to do to not get screwed is TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT! This has nothing to do with morals or cheating or anything else at this point. This is the game GREE plays, so you either play along, or don't.