Forgive me if what I'm about to write make little sense, I'm very tired and you wrote a nice lengthy post
Of course you should take their word. Though many don't believe a single word they say. My point was that yes, things do change and 5 years is a long time for a company. So while you should at least accept what they say, at face value, you also shouldn't be so surprised when changes are made.
I know you're against it, quite vehemently, but it isn't only Blizzard supporters that are in denial. To say it is, is rather unfair.
I'm not arguing what the main points are that people have. As I said, in a slightly later post, my problem is the people clutching at any straw, however small, to try make a point and attempting to convince others to effectively join their crusade.
I agree that there is a lot of profit being made by Blizzard already. I don't think that every last penny from WoW is the only source of income they have to be able to develop other things. There are books, all kinds of collectibles, tournaments, advertising deals... alsorts!
I will point out that MoP raiding has been fantastic for a great many people though. That is merely your opinion.
Hopefully most of that makes sense. Anyway, I'd like to point out that while I'm not against the cash shop, at least while it's only cosmetic stuff, I can see exactly where people are coming from.