My read on the situation is this might be an alternative to AA raising EQD requirements for 2020 status levels. I can only imagine AA raised the price of the EQDs bought by Barclays US and Barclays had to say it couldn't do it anymore based on the profitability of the card. Perhaps the credit card group AA members was one of the only major groups who could have lower actual spend, but still obtain status?
However, I am unsure on what Barclays could offer as a new benefit. If they don't have something to immediately announce, then it appears the price increase of the purchased EQDs was not something they expected. The fact they have this almost year window to allow EQD accrual on existing cardholders is a graceful situation (and maybe removes the need to better publicize the change).
Or maybe they need to figure out that replacement benefit before they email the cardholders...