Simply not liking you, however regrettable, is a perfectly legitimate reason to kick someone from a FC. They were lame not to actually talk to you before doing it but it's their FC and nothing stops you from making your own, so the onus is on you to fit in with them if you want to be part of their little club. I'd be just as confused about 'trading down' (I don't understand why speaking in plain English is so hard for people) but it doesn't sound especially shady.

You'll find a better FC. One which fits you and doesn't force you act in a way you're not comfortable with.