So you don't consider falsely claiming VPN tech as your own while also including a tracking gif on every page "shadey"? Guess we have different definitions...
Seems no different than Costco's Kirkland Signature brand. Private labeling something as your own that is made by someone else (and not disclosing who) is not really a new concept.
My Kirkland Signature Brand hotdogs don't include an embedded tracking device.