I’m wondering this too. On the one hand full width allows proper PSUs and connectivity, on the other they’re retrenching into an arguably more traditional space that’s much more competitive, and, yeah, traditional.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m not sure their positioning of half width combined with traditional hi-fi, is sustainable.
Perhaps they thought about taking on the Koreans, but decided that their engineering stack is more geared toward hi-fi than computer audio, and that it would take too long and cost too much to reboot.
The full width decision feels like capitulation due to missing the boat then. The half width look is pretty iconic and I can’t help but think they have should plowed more R&D into future computer audio-style tech much earlier, keeping the half width. Modularity is, or at least has been, a key functional value of the brand, that they're now moving away from... To give the benefit of doubt I'm assuming a lack of funding has played its part here.