A bit late to the party but here goes...
If it actually is timed, this will do MS nothing good. Just a shitstorm from gamers on both sides.
Neither will it help SE as a brand but maybe they have already made profit before releasing the game.
In all, I don't think this is a good step for Microsoft. It shows that they are desperate and by using the moneytrick you certainly do not get any credit for releasing a good game... timed.
Why go into town while I can buy my pants just around the corner, for double the money.