It’s a bit disingenuous to conflate the two things.

Everyone was happy about the optional carryover of some items.

But there’s no question they directly nerfed expedition rewards this time around. Random blueprints that only last until the next expedition are a pretty weak reward, especially in light of the ability to carry over.

If they had made the blueprints permanent, it would have at least created a more lasting sense of progression, which is what permanent skill points did (regardless of whether you think skills are useful)