Changing the rules without making a prior announcement, I do not think this is a good way to implement things, even if we can consider this change as potentially positive.
To me, it's poor communication. And this is not the first time it happens.
Are you sure you want to keep the confidence of your players in your project?
There were and always will be 'ninja updates' for various reasons, we have already said that.
Me just saying that good communication is key factor to success, whatever the project/product.
Beware not to confuse "ninja-updates" and "seppuku-updates" 😏
Closing a gap is anything but 'seppuku'.