It is a Headline and Summary with a Link. Completely different. I doubt that changes your point or your mind, but lets be clear on whats going on.
I would also add, that this in itself (IMHO) is harmless, but there is also the issue of using NYT content etc in marketing materials (screenshots) for a paid app.
I think that the RSS link/headline&summary by itself is harmless, but that together its a bigger deal.
BTW I don't necessarily disagree with you. I just feel that people are dealing with each issue isolation and losing the overall context.