Trump’s complaint about Cruz’s tactics uses exactly the same argument that Cruz has used to critique Donald’s business career: “You used the rules of a corrupt system to further your personal ambition. Therefore, you are corrupt, liberal, unprincipled, etc.” Donald contributed to politicians of all parties (more to Cruz than to Hillary) and used laws he didn’t make to win. Cruz is doing the same thing in the delegate acquisition arena. But in the eyes of Cruz and his supporters he is just being smart since he didn’t create the system.
Cruz had no choice about using the existing system, Trump could have used the same system. Nobody forced Trump to buy political favors.
Apples and Oranges.
Nobody forced Ted to use establishment rules to gather delegates. He simply chose to use them because he wants to win. Trump used rules he didn’t create because he wants to win. Different arena, same behavior.