The majority can do a lot higher than layer 1. I think you’re arguing a little dishonestly there. You supplied “majority” and he supplied “layer 1.” You were the first one to put them together.
Now there wasn’t really widespread complaining until layers 7 and 8 came out so I’m going to assume that layer 6 is completable without much trouble by your majority. Yes I do think it’s perfectly fine to tell the majority to accept 95 less soul ash until their gear goes up enough to tackle the higher layers.
Granted I don’t think the nerf is that big a deal, I don’t think the challenge integrity of the soul ash farm is particularly important… but you’re blowing the problem way out of proportion. You make it sound like it’s some zero sum game where players will be out on the streets begging for food if they can’t finish a layer 8 every week.