I disagree, I think using the word scam is appropriate if the product is as described. It doesn't need to be criminal - it just needs to be misleading on what it is providing, with most users being worse off.
I would refer to the practice of translating foreign currency to USD before they charge your credit card as a scam even though it is clearly legal.
Some others would call the BRG a scam when the only differentiating factor is a free breakfast provided with the lower rate.
The fact people are judging the company in whether they can sign up and get out quick enough to justify the extra expense for the 5,000 points makes it sound like a product that won't provide any benefit to many potential customers and I appreciate the heads up offered.