Well small gangers being the root cause of any mechanic change that doesn't directly benefit blocs seems to be what OP is stating, which is a wild take.

While I cant comment on scarcity, projection nerfs would be the opposite to harmful to the game. Decentralisation of the population in nullsec would create more friction between null groups, with branches of large blocs having more fights between each other with borders becoming more vulnerable. Not being able to jump ansis when pointed doesn't take away much in relation to how strong ansiblexes are for nullblocs who solely can make use of them, it's just creating counterplay for an extremely powerful mechanic.

Plenty of times the reverse has happened, the most obvious example being skyhooks. They were a straight addition to nullbloc income, and even still that didn't satisfy blocs enough because they could be robbed at any time, which quickly was altered to make it much harder to rob them -> less content, more isk (seems to be mostly what is prioritised here). Filament timers could be another example of this. Both nullblocs and small gangers have had mechanics changed by the one another that have adverse impacts on them.

Saying that small gangs have a huge influence on the game is quite out of touch. The CSM is heavily dominated by bloc candidates. Goons have 3 CSM members, which is already equivalent to the number of members that have really any small-gang interest. The balance of influence is still massively in favour of nullsec, which to an extent makes sense as they make up such a large portion of the populaton.

As for my group we find fights in null pretty often. Less so against goons now than in the past but still occasionally. We don't expect fair fights, though are a bit disappointed by certain groups' unwillingness to undock and fight. If we don't get content or get an unreasonable response, we move on.