I agree 100%. I also like that the mission system has changed. It was starting to get a bit repetative and boring so a change like this is always good to keep it interesting. However, I hate the Popsicle system. It seems to be a waste of my time for little to no reward.
I think EA have now deliberately updated this game to be more for full time players rather than part time players. I can only play 1 or 2 hours a day due to work. I don't have the time to play every day for 8 hours to reach end goals. I can usually finish in the top 10 for mayor's challenge but now I can't get anywhere near that.