Fact vs Memoir: James Frey and A Million Little Pieces

As writers, we must ask ourselves whether we want to write about facts, or if instead we are aiming for a different level of truth.  We also have to ask which which aspects of writing we value.  Are we in this for the money?  To express our innermost thoughts?  Or simply to produce art? I haven't read James Frey's book, but the scandal it generated was impressive.  As a writer, I am torn.  He duped millions before being exposed, but he wrote well enough to pull it off.  Do we call this impressive?  Or inexcusable? Oprah's Response to Being Duped The Smoking Gun Investigation: "A Million Little Lies"