They did the same for Ironman Tulsa. Not surprised they are doing this as they have to fill the field. It either expand the number of slots or expand the amount of Legacy athletes. I am just glad I earned my slot the right way!
What is this right way you speak of. Ironman has always had a varying number of slots from Olympic Distance to full IM at various races around the world. There is no right way. The right way is whatever the scenario is that is applied in a given year. Many of the folks that qualify on the conditions of this year will beat you anyway and you will beat many of them which will prove there is no right way. Whomever makes it to the start line played the game for the year at hand.