"If we were to entertain changing things, we would be applying our modern judgment and our modern values and a modern take of game design on a project that’s meant to be a preservation project.”
This is pretty much their fears. Which as you said you understand, but really states the fear right here in this quote.
I too want to see it eventually mold and evolve and end Retail for something new and refreshing (especially a new story/timeline), but if we’re being honest, what their vision is and how they would apply it to classic is a huge concern.
Again, I’d love to see a change, but even with all the opinions from the player base, Blizz’s judgment has not been great as of late.