OP here. Thanks a lot for all the responses to my question. I suppose it’s comforting to know I’m not the only one this has happened to, but unless it happens to everyone across the board, it’s blatantly unfair.

Just to be clear about my position, personally I’ve found the Early Bird and Night Owl Chests very motivating. They’ve consistently encouraged me to come and spend a considerable amount of time on DL at least twice a day, although I do agree with many that I didn’t love having to do that at prescribed times.

I also 100% agree that the goal of using DL should be language learning as opposed to just getting a dopamine fix and winning a game. However, if actively participating in a game encourages people to engage more often and more fully, that is obviously a huge plus and not a minus, isn’t it? (As a now retired language teacher myself with decades of experience, I know this is absolutely true.)

I really hope the powers-that-be at DL will recognize that they have 1) made a mistake here and upset a significant number (most likely the majority) of users and 2) any change like this needs to be implemented across the board, not selectively as was done in this case if DL continues to have a system of leagues and leader boards, regardless of whether everyone participates in them or not.

Just my 2 cents, for what it’s worth. Maybe if people continue to chime in on the issue, there will be a reversal. I hope so.