This is the primary purpose of a PM -- to ensure that outside factors do not impact the project.
So, even if something came up, a proper PM would explain to the customer and the employer how this will impact the deadlines. They would also propose a solution.
I cannot imagine an implementation plan that would not have the majority of players (regardless of licensing) created and ready to insert into the lineups. I cannot imagine they wait until after some deadline to begin work. If so, that's a piss-poor project plan.
Again, a proper PM deals with vendor management and their deliverables are still part of the project plan that is owned by the project lead. This would not be an acceptable excuse.
I don't need to meet them. The simple fact is they did not meet the delivery date. Period. End of story. This means they did not properly plan the project and did not make proper alternative strategies at critical points in the development.
I don't think it does make them sunshine pumpers because of that. It's the blind defending of everything EA.
Someone dropped the ball. Plain and simple.
To have people get defensive on behalf of EA is ludicrous.