Activating empty/used SRBs via staging successfuly completes contracts

[Alistone]

So several contracts require speeds and/or altitudes that don't make sense. Specifically for Solid Rocket Boosters I find it easier to use the booster during ascent with an action group and then later whenever I achieve the parameters (usually at apoapsis or during re-entry) I use the staging to "activate" the engine. Despite the engine already being spent the contracts complete just fine.

It works, all is good; funding keeps growing and growing. (I think I'm only on day 2...)

Is this cheating? Is it a glitch? Is it working as intended?

Edited July 31, 2014 by Alistone

[Master Tao]

How else would Kerbals learn that SRBs need fuel to work?

So, yes, it appears to be working as intended. It may be the result of a feature not yet added, since Contracts are still relatively new. Whether it's cheating is entirely up to you. I tend to think Kerbals are gullible enough to honor a contract filled that way.

[BagelRabbit]

It's not a glitch nor a bug, it's just an oversight on the part of the Devs.

Whether or not you consider it "cheating" depends on how realistically you play the game.

[Pecan]

The contract requires you to "activate" a part by "staging", within other specified parameters. That you are doing this but for reasons outside those specified the part does not function does not indicate failure or breach of the contract. Therefore the plaintiff's case is dismissed and they better bloody well pay up.

IANAKL (I Am Now A Kerbal Kerbin (Squad doesn't want us to use that word) Lawyer).