In all things we make relations from our own point of view. Some in here relate this GAME to REAL LIFE. Others only see a game of no real consiquence.
RL has no bearing on this game other than what we as players choose to empose upon ourselves.
With any game, there are rules for fair play. These rules are designed to move the game along a given line to several possible conclusions. They are rarely if ever designed to "prevent" cheating, while it may provide stiff penalties for doing so.
Honorable play is for games where there is no possible way to know if someone is cheating or not. In this case some call it the honor system. In AH or any mmorpg squads/clans ect are either honorable (which we all hope others consider us honorable) or some other name or title of lesser value.
AH specific, the game provides a venue for play, it also provides some element of security from cheaters (eg hackers, ect). However, the vast sea of un-written rules are often fraught with hidden snares and dangers. Which none, not even those who designed them, can see untill it is far too late.
As it comes to side switching, no one can know for certian why someone switches sides. On the other hand spying is impossible to prevent and nearly impossible to detect if done properly.
Each of us has a "version" of what is fair and honorable play. While many might agree for the most part on either or both, there is no hope that all will ever agree.
My advice is, play as your ethical and moral values dictate and let the others do the same. Complaining publicly or making a public issue of percieved poor game play only drags YOU down to their level and will not ever change it.
My advice is to let HTC handle the real issues of cheating by reporting those issues as you become aware of them.