I dont know if this has any bearing on game freezes but seeing how some people's game freezes and some don't, could the problem be related to:
a.firmware
b.ps3 models
I know different models/versions come out so often and firmware updates now and again.
Do EA and there testers have different models of ps3 with different firmware versions?
Maybe this has something to do with all game issues, maybe ea should test different models but same firmware, so when they release a game they can inform on firmware version to use and if you have this model the game may have compatability issues.
Maybe all game company should do this,like pc games have minimum requirements, console games have requirements or recommended models and firmware.
just a thought...