Okay, so there seem to be a few main issues here that are being bickered over:
1. Game Dev's/Publishers removing or restricting content on used games.
2. Gamestop's used games sales model.
3. If the OP's original spite intent is valid.
Here are my solutions (Please note I will be stating a few things that others have already mentioned. It would really be tough to quote them all.):
1. Everyone needs to keep in mind that it is money that drives this industry. As an aspiring game programmer myself, I know it's more about passion and desire to join the industry in the first place, but every game company needs money to keep doing what they're doing. We need to keep in mind that there are many passionate individuals working at NetherRealm or any other game company. However, if these individuals don't receive their paychecks, then they really can't afford to keep doing what they're doing. That said, I believe that game companies need to produce incentives to buy new rather than stripping features from those who dare to buy used. The 20% off DLC voucher mentioned earlier in the thread is a great example. People who buy the game new get some incentive to do so, used game purchasers still receive the full game they intended to buy, and it helps to promote the sale of DLC content as well.
2. I will personally never trade a game in at Gamestop or any other used game store. I still have every game that I've ever purchased since my Atari 2600. If you are the kind of person who likes to trade games then you have a few options. Again we all need to keep in mind that money is the driving factor here. It's really not a shock to hear that you can get better prices for your used games on eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, or any other site that allows you to sell your stuff. The thing with Gamestop is convenience and a guaranteed quick sale. They need to make money to keep their stores open and pay their staff just like any other company. It's the same in any other industry as well. I know I can get a much better price selling my car myself than I can get for a trade-in at the dealer.
As it was mentioned earlier, Gamestop makes very little profit on the sale of new games or consoles. This is the same for any business that sells games. I used to work at Best Buy, and we made a hell of a lot more money selling you an HDMI cable for your 360 than we did selling you the 360 itself. In the same way, Gamestop turns a much better profit with the sale of used games, so no matter how much you complain, they're going to keep doing what they're doing. The point is this: if you're looking for convenience, then Gamestop is great. They've got a lot of locations and are always willing to take in trades, and they often have deals going on for trade-ins. If, however, you're looking to get the best price for your used game, then sell it yourself.
3. Finally the issue of spite. Here's the thing, if you buy this game used out of spite, the best result you're going to get is a sense of self-satisfaction. NetherRealms won't really notice, and WB won't notice. I most definitely agree with why you're feeling the way you are. I think it's important to discuss these issues if we want to see change in the industry. If you really feel cheated by this, write an email to NetherRealms and WB. Explain to them why you chose to buy the game used or not at all. The more they hear from us, all of us, the better, more informed choices they can make in the future about how to direct their marketing of their games. If you need a great example just look at Extra Credit's "Open Letter to EA Marketing."
Used game sales hurt game companies' profits, and they're looking for a solution. I'm sure it's easy to lose touch with the gaming public when most of your time is spent in an office and in meetings. I guarantee you, though, if any gaming company is provided with enough feedback stating something along the lines of, "I love your products, but chose to boycott/buy a used copy of your game for reason x. I would really like it to be solved with realistic resolution y, and will most definitely buy your products new in the future if these changes are made." followed by a simple thank you for the work and great games, then game companies will change the way they sell. Even if that reason is nothing more than to improve their bottom line, we will see change. I think you've got the right idea, but I don't think that buying the game used out of spite is going to help anyone, yourself included.
