Exactly. Remove online matches from the equation and you'd have more resources spent toward improving the AI by default. But why bother to do that when so many will say "f it, playing against the CPU sucks so I'll just play online matches."
In a sense it's genius - EA don't have to spend as much on developing the AI because they can just supplant human competition for CPU competition with online game modes. So they spend less while still selling millions, which equals an improved bottom line.
So even though Lami and I will say they're "wasting" money on online game modes, in truth EA are getting a greater return on their investment.