I've always been lead to believe the intent of a law or regulation is what matters in the eyes of a court.

The Subaru case probably violates the intent as well but maybe that would be a lot harder to prove. But the Ford case they clearly conspired to violate the intent. Which, if "intent" really is the important thing, I suppose should have lead to criminal charges too.

I suppose intent probably matters a bit more when it's the little guy on the receiving end of it.