What probably happened is Corporate overlords leadership opted for an easier-to-create game direction while also attempting to diversify the game’s base. Basically, and I may be eating my words as we learn more about the game, I’d expect them to have reduced the cost to create while also attempting to increase profit.
I base this off of other games which have attempted similar feats, and I’m not sure of a single one that was part of a larger series that has turned out well.
Spirit of friendship? Bitch, ya’ll threaten to secede every other year.