We can't just dismiss this sort of behavior because you can reformat the computer and "Result: no bloat and no malware". They need to learn that people won't let them get away with this. So no this is unacceptable, I too will never buy nor recommend a Lenovo product in the foreseeable future!
Actually, it would be better to educate the masses they can reformat and install a clean OS, because that is what builds immunity and sends an even clearer message that the additional bloatware they ship is worth nothing.
Never buying Lenovo again.