I'd assume that having no win state in the game is precisely because the creator didn't want to make a statement about the ideal city. Instead, each person who plays the game can decide if and when they've created the ideal city for themselves. Calling a crime-free city with a stable population "ideal" is just as valid as calling a crime-filled city with happy citizens "ideal."

I love that you called it a sleight of hand because that's exactly what it is; just by assuming someone could beat the game, the authors have misunderstood Sim City.