This doesn't really surprise me.

1) People are ignorant about security, and Internet technology in general. They probably thought it was completely safe, some of them may not have even known exactly what they were doing ( although I haven't seen the details of the technique... anyone have more info? )

2) It's not as if today's generation of Ivy-league applicants in the U.S. have much in the way of ethical role models to look up to. Look at Cheney/Enron/Worldcom, all the big corporate scandals, Bush the C-student and his constant lies, lack of concern for world consensus, the environment, kyoto treaty, etc. etc., the several convicted felons appointed to administration roles in the US, even Colin Powell lying to the UN, Martha freakin' Stewart, .... all the wealthy suit-wearing teleprompter-reading folks that embody the American versions of success and power seem to be lying, cheating bastards.

3) Of all those folks on The Apprentice, how many of them would you say would have tried this hack?