Is this bad sportsmanship, cheating or fair play?
I could say that it isn't fair, blah blah blah
but let me be heretic
TE isn't athletic game or real football.
It's a managerial/ strategy more than sports.
So alliances, friends or not friends playing together, maybe helping each other (or maybe being in the same asc. group), well all are a part of the game.
Happened to me many times, other managers who are together in the league or the other competitions offer me "friendship".
Some times I accept, some others I reject, I 'm thinking pros and cons and decide.