Ferrari would start Massa from the pitlane if it meant that Alonso had a shot at the title. It just happens that there was a way of bringing Alonso closer to the front that didn't totally destroy Massa's chances for Constructors points.
This isn't the beginning of the season, this is the sprint to the finish. Ferrari need to give Alonso the best chance possible; he needs at least ten points effectively because Vettel has been dominating this weekend and is likely to win because of Red Bull's near flawless reliability couple with Seb's immense ability to cope with the pressure of starting with a driver like Hamilton right behind you. Once Vettel gets through turn one infront it's all over, 2011 style.
Ferrari know this, and they know that this is Alonso's last chance this season.
Obviously it's a little unsporting. But seriously, there is a championship at stake. If there wasn't such a big difference between the clean and dirty side I doubt that they would have done it.
