Much like how NPC ships and stations automatically (and logically) turn hostile towards players when they are shot at, NPC stations should also turn hostile towards players when they violate them in some other manner (within logic and reason). But since the game can't do so automatically, GMs have to step in. Makes perfect sense to me. Otherwise, what the RHA OF did would be blatant abuse of mechanics.
Now that this precedent has been made, the GMs will however have to consistently continue this practice.