Formula 1 will also build their cars under the weight limit and add ballast. There is a benefit to controlling where the weight goes, as it affects handling. I imagine this would the same for bikes as well as cars. Regardless, you made it sound like the bikes they were selling would also have this ballast and people were paying extra for it.
UMD, I honestly like most of your comments and think you have a lot of good knowledge to share on a variety of topics. But on this one, we don't see eye to eye.
Here's the big difference, and the essential point I'm making. Cannondale is not making those bikes for other professional riders. They are making those bikes (and you can purchase an exact copy of what is being ridden in the Tour) for non-professional cyclists who pay big $$ for what is essentially a cheat. Think of it as a golfer with fifteen clubs in his bag or a swimmer with fins.