They could of just mailed every one a turd instead of a game. People warned their friends and every one online, but they still bought it. So now Activision knows they can just put out shit, but the consumer will buy shit with that call of duty brand lable slapped on it.
I honestly am sure Activision doesn't see it that way. This further cements that it's a golden goose they need to protect. This level of a captive audience is incredibly valuable and I'd bet heads will roll for endangering it.