It’s an interesting ethical dilemma. Is it okay to cheat to win and if so, in what circumstances.
Yes I agree.
In this instance...
The Koubayashi Maru test touched on ethics in more ways than one IMO. It was a right of passage of sorts. It should have been something that upper-classmen didn’t discuss with those who hadn’t taken the test.
If someone knew going in that the test was merely a way to assess how someone handled certain failure, then their reaction to the test would be severely impacted, of no value at all.
Kirk’s foreknowledge of the test, rendered it of no value at all to those evaluating him. That alone shows a very poor ability on his part to assess something rationally that was integral to his receiving a commission.