Having been an IT exec for decades this is a dynamic I've seen before.

-Radical change made to a familiar and well functioning user interface, not by consensus, but typically at the behest of a single strong willed individual.

-Skepticism is voiced by many who are overridden by dubious, but forcefully made and technically opaque reasons ("your common sense pales in the face of my technical expertise. ie, this will really improve SEO!")

-Change is universally loathed by everyone, advantages fail to materialize.

-Individual scrambles to salvage their erroneous decision ("everyone is wrong! this is wonderful!")

-revolt of the plebes and pressure builds

-changes are quietly undone, though damage is lasting