On the one hand, I understand - and support - their reasons for making this change. But on the other hand, I find it very distressing to think how much harder it is going to be for independent researchers, working outside of the realm of formal academia, to get over the hump of getting their first submission accepted. The bar was already high for folks who aren't "connected" and now it gets - seemingly - much higher. Probably that price is worth it in the grand scheme of things, but that's small comfort for the folks out there scrambling for an endorsement.
On the one hand, I understand - and support - their reasons for making this change. But on the other hand, I find it very distressing to think how much harder it is going to be for independent researchers, working outside of the realm of formal academia, to get over the hump of getting their first submission accepted. The bar was already high for folks who aren't "connected" and now it gets - seemingly - much higher. Probably that price is worth it in the grand scheme of things, but that's small comfort for the folks out there scrambling for an endorsement.