Actually, what Dirt spent money for isn't actual CE, but he spent money for prestige points. The "CE" part is just a side step, no one had their hands on that CE, it didn't even enter the economy. Of course, I am asuming he paid for that CE to turn it into prestige points.
And now, I wonder: as Prestige rewards keep coming out (when they come out), wouldn't this turn Prestige into another resource in the game?
Crowns < > CE > Prestige (Although Prestige in small quantities can be obtained through the other missions)
Where CE is obtained with real money to begin with. Will Prestige be turned eventually into a "premium" system?
Its a test! They are seeing how desperate we are to get Prestige points! You could also give that ce to a beginner and tell him what to do with it Dirt xD