We'll have to wait for the full rules to be sure, but if I'm correctly reading these initial changes for Africa backtracking, it might turn out to make the product more flexible after all.

Previously, the Africa backtracking provision (for two transits through Europe) applied to an ever-changing and short list of countries;

Now, though, it seems the two transits through Europe are allowed for any African country. Sure, in the case of South Africa or MRU both transits would need to be on QR (or RJ) rather than BA, but on balance, I think this could be a plus.