Wasn't the OtherOS option first included to try to get the PS3 classified as a computer system, to avoid some sort of import tax (much how they bundled a programming disc with the PS2 in some European countries)? I don't think they succeeded, but if they're now removing the feature... I wonder if they're going to get chased down with fraud allegations or for penalties. Maybe not, if they didn't get the credit, but if you sell something trying to classify it as a computer at first, then remove the functionality that you said classifies it as one... just a thought, anyway.
Either way, it's tacky. It really does seem like once they have a proper PS2 software solution, they will disable hardware BC in the old units.