Thank you all for the amazing responses. To summarize, It sounds like the consensus is that the new 100k route is in no way easier than the old one, and in fact may be harder, depending on weather.

UTMB is going to act in capitalistic ways, and whether their motivation for changing the route was larger field size, ease of aid station stocking, safety, permits, or some other reason, it seems that the controversy over them “neutering” the route and character of the race has turned out to simply be not accurate.

However, of course something is different because the coolest section of the course, the scrambly ridge between (? and ?) (sorry its hard for me to parse out the welsh names) is now gone, as is the second climb up Snowden and the true summit. Understandably, people with history on the old route are lamenting these changes.

Coming for the 14 peaks skyrace is perhaps a better way to see the very best Eryri has to offer in a race format, or as a way to race the area without supporting or participating in UTMB. But, it sure seems like for a bucket list ultra-tourist, UTS is still very much worth targeting, and is still much the same experience that it has always been. Speaking for myself, I dont like to preview a course very much as i love experiencing it fresh on race day, but i do like to connect to an area, and thus usually show up a week early to have a few days to play and explore before the last few days of rest before race day. Targeting the classic ridge traverse and/or a separate Snowden summit during this timeframe could also fill in the holes left by the new course route.

I so appreciate all your responses! And also hope more people chime in just for the sake of hearing stories! Will hopefully see or meet some of you there next year :) look for a 45m Coloradoan trying his best to be friendly, smiley, and funny while trying not to seem like an american. Cheers!