I’m no longer sure about the user data assumption. This issue is not the only UI change moving in a certain direction, there is also Navigation Updates and quick access to My Tasks and Inbox
It is a possibility that Asana’s focus is now shifting into a direction that attempts to cover needs of users in the mass market. These “simplifications” seem to be targeting novice users, who might not actually have the slightest idea of project management.
Such a strategic direction might have very little in common with our needs. Luckily, there are other options in the meantime; for example, Zenkit comes very close to Asana’s feature-set.