Correct, but it is still a form of hacking, by way of social engineering. The ethics of it are dubious, certainly, but there's still something to appreciate in Kevin Mitnick types, even if they don't necessarily deserve to be lumped as "hackers" in the sense of technical prowess.

Engaging in human hacking and systems analysis of institutions like this can have high personal pay-offs, but it also often requires to revolve much of your lifestyle around it, so whether it's worthwhile varies.