“Meaningful choice” doesn’t have to impact class performance. It could just be an RPG / cosmetic difference.
Remember flight? They give players flexibility, regret it, and try to take it back. Each expansion is an oscillation of give/take.
If class performance is the only thing “meaningful” to Blizzard, then that’s what they are trying to take this expansion.
It’s a gamble. What percentage of the players will leave vs. what percent will stay. And, at what rate (i.e. how quickly into SL ala WOD).
So you can argue you like it or hate it, but it won’t change the net result if your opinion wins or loses. The percent staying / leaving isn’t something you control.