This game can only survive with PAYING customers, and only grow with new PAYING customers. HTC puts forth A LOT of time, effort and money in advertising efforts to bring new players in. regardless of how much better this game is than the others out there, advertising or trying to get players to try the other games can only result in negative consequences for this game. and therefore should be frowned upon by all who support this game. I will most certainly .report ANYBODY openly trying to recruit players.
I owned 2 dating sites, and one of my constant battles was fighting off spammers trying to steal the customers I worked so hard to get and retain. I think not only is it HTC's right to ban or atleast censor this behavior, it's their duty to us, so the game we all enjoy will not only survive but continue to grow !