Not an automated fluke, it was an automated ban from our admin tool. We've had many issues with VPN usage to evade bans and we recently started to block its usage. However, I've added your player ID to an exception list so that you can continue to use your VPN if you need it.
The suspect your "Key code in use" message is that the Activision master server probably cached your VPN IP with the CD key combo, and it needed to age off.
I agree with your feelings on the verification questions, but the russian bots have been out in force.