Look at 7-1-1-b-1 Exception 2
Since the QB is not a lineman or back, he is in "no-man's land". The QB is usually absolved of this foul when he is in position to receive the ball from the snapper. Since he is no longer under center (snapper), the formation is illegal (just like a WR who is in between being on the LOS and being a back).
I wouldn't consider this to be unfair tactics, although that may have been the intent, simply a formation foul.