The question here is:
1) If this isn't an exploit, why is a patch to change it imminent, and why is SV on record saying it is not working as intended?
2) If this is an exploit, why isn't it a bannable offense?
Here are the acceptable options in this situation, in order of preference:
1) This is an exploit: Treat this as an exploit & hot-fix it immediately
2)This is an exploit: Since you can't hot-fix immediately, release a statement making it clear that this is an exploit and will be bannable until a patch is released to fix it, whereupon it will be announced that the mechanic is now working as intended and not subject to exploitation/bans.
3)This is not an exploit: let the economy work itself out & flux become heavily devalued when people realize it is now abundant
Whatever the case, SV sorely needs a public test server. Whoever the new QA guy is needs to badger the hell out of them to make this happen. It will be good for the game & his job security long-term.
On a side note, seriously, SV, hire me as your PR guy and stop letting whoever say whatever while representing you. Time and again, it just makes you look bad. Saying nothing would be preferable to being on record with this wishy-washy 'oh this isn't working as intended and we know about it but uhh... it's not an exploit... don't worry we're changing it next patch lol' line. The same is true with another recent community scandal. If you had reeled in who can divulge what to whom about what while representing you, it could have been completely avoided.