I think this change is positive overall. New players will still have the choice to make about chasing shards or gear, but saving them energy does help them to spend more energy on the gear requirements they need to move past to get to the new end game state we're in.
As for the Bronzium packs, I hope it gets fixed in a timely manner. I don't think it's as desperate as people are making it out to be since GW table generates more SSC for me with ABs taking a close third to Ally points. It is still an important source of SSC though and should be corrected. I doubt they'll do anything to change the rate at which Bronzium packs are purchased since that has a direct impact on Relic levels.
Another good step forward to improving the game for the long term.