I'd still describe it as hacking. Even seasoned pen testers have a suite of automated tools. The distinction you're making is pretty arbitrary as it's based on

I'd still describe it as hacking. Even seasoned pen testers have a suite of automated tools. The distinction you're making is pretty arbitrary as it's based on elitist ideologies; however I do agree with you that those teenagers are essentially just "script kiddies". I have say I think it's a pretty distracting argument to make because regardless of whether they understand the tools on a technical level, they understand what they are doing (hijacking peoples accounts and selling them on) and are aware that it is illegal. Surely that's the important takeaway here?