One of the keys to this game (IMHO) is to be able to plan ahead. I understand having some difficult events and some easier events during the course of the game. We, as players, have the opportunity to choose which events to participate in. If we choose to focus on something other than one of the difficult events, we can do so. If we take the opportunity to participate in one of the easier events, so be it. I personally use these times to help with more difficult (time consuming) tasks like upgrading my higher level structures (AWs, for instance). Scheduling these upgrades during the easier events makes those events a bit more challenging, while providing at least a little more incentive to get the upgrades done. Making this plan early, at the beginning of the event, is a strategy that I implement each time, choosing how to progress through the event carefully. This allows me to balance the fun of the event and maximize the benefit of the event. My point is that there are more impacts to changes like this than simply adding or removing tasks in a sequential list.
Unfortunately, changing an event mid-way, throws a wrench in best laid plans. I would much prefer Inno to take feedback from Beta and implement it BEFORE an event starts. OR, it is always a good idea to take lessons learned from any event and implement those ideas in the NEXT event.
We, as players, can choose to participate in each event. We, as players, can choose to look at / utilize spoilers. However, when Inno makes changes mid-way through an event like this, our choices (as players) are reduced.
Lesson learned for Beta players (I hope): Be careful what you wish for.
Lesson learned on my part: Inno can (and will) change their mind, without announcement (or regard for the players), at their whim. Of course, this happens over and over as evident from several examples, like the great structure nerfing a while back. I really should know better than to expect any kind of communication plan or thought out process other than pure reactionary brute action from Inno, at this point. Grind that trans-axle Ripley.