I think this was meant to be a dry and cynical observation that we probably all actually agree with.

I don't think they approve.

Think of it this way, if they actually approved, would this be how they would say it?

Maybe. Anyone who thought it was a great idea and generally liked marketing would necessarily be so different from me that it only makes sense that I would not be good at thinking like them enough to accurately interpret what they wrote. So I suppose it's possible that this is perfectly direct and sincere, but it just does not seem reasonable.

EDIT: From further comments below, I guess I got my answer. They actually don't see this as a problem. Oh well so much for giving people the benefit of the doubt.

I mean, I guess they're allowed to have that opinion or subscribe to that reasoning that the targeted nature makes it somehow different or more acceptable. If someone wants to say "it's not bad behavior because of X train of reasonong" then all that matters is does X hold water? I didn't add either an up or down vote. But it's not an argument I think holds much water.