I guess I'd ask:  "what's your definition of cheating?"

I'm sure there are a few points -- (and I'm going to be intentionally a little vague here, just so I don't spoil it for users who haven't tried it yet!) -- it isn't "self-contained", it isn't super-difficult to unravel, and it certainly isn't as short as I'd like it.  On the other hand, I like that's it unique, and presents in multiple mediums, of which only the first (the ascii-art) is immediately apparent.  I'm hoping its strengths outweigh its drawbacks.

So I confess you have a valid point.  But I hope you liked it anyway! :)