I feel this is E.A treating all gamers like idiots... AGAIN, and trying to be "smart".
Yes, they are "dropping" the online pass system, HOWEVER, it is now well known that both the PS4 and the next XBox have DRM "built in" should a publisher/developer require it. E.A will never utilise such systems, would they?
So, are E.A doing the "right thing" or is this what they thought to be a clever PR tactic of filling the room with smoke, then when it clears, everyone realises they have stole the family silver?