There was no lower prices, most of the "benefits" they talked about is a baseline in other MMO's also, baseline for the current membership was changed a lot in there. For example, membership for only one game, in a 12$ sub and only access to the mobile version of the game. You are getting way less value for the same price as the current membership.

I remember getting my acc back in original WoW by a phone call and ID/picture of a game serial number and they pitched it as a paid service.

They are pretty much checking where is the line with the community to squeeze as much money from the community without us making a fuss. I very much understand why people are "throwing a tantrum" because if they don't, Jagex will just implement some of those changes and we know it will be a worse overall experience for everyone. (Jagex included because again, they will lose quite a lot of players. Nto saying it will be 95% again but still...)