<p>The line between friendly one-upmanship and being bad sports is a thin one. I think this is probably a pretty exemplary prank, as far as collegiality. That's not to say either side was perfect. MIT wasn't, -- since they left no notice or warning of any kind, people thought it was stolen and filed a police report. (But what's the fun in a prank with a letter explaining everything?) Fleming wasn't super-polite, but I don't think they crossed any lines, either.</p>
<p>My personal take is that "non-prankable" objects are a kind of nonsensical idea, and that it is natural to have a little bit of one-upmanship in a thing like this. It's the major leagues, what do you expect? People who are too touchy on either side are like pro football players who complain that there is hitting. : )</p>