Read my other comment: they should have had it all ready to go as the semis were closing with pre-made stuff. That way most people are still watching the finals, and you can possibly make it an update so that, if you don't have it, you don't have to restart since it only applied to things you see out of game? Either way, there was a way to downplay the damage you are referring to. Even calling it the 'major upgrade' and having everyone's trophies from pick'em in there that way no one cares because they are so excited to get their reward. I don't think this applies to minor updates, especially since it doesn't actually change the in-game, right? I've had updates like this before where I've kept playing and not needed to update while others have.

My point is less about gambit and more about professionalism for a multi-billion dollar company. But, after like a week it does start to become about gambit, right? They shouldn't have to wait more than a few days, even if you think they shouldn't get it right away. It's just how I would do things.