I suspect that it was also getting burdensome reviewing portfolios. The new changes will mean a lot fewer portfolios to review, plus those were probably the easiest part of the qualifications to "game". But I don't have any way of knowing for sure - that is just my guess.
Interesting point. I almost wondered why they still allow for a substantial -- six item -- portfolio if they stressed it wasn't that big of a deal. I guess it's better than having to ask for it if there's a score just above the cutoff and they want more information, etc -- plus I figured parents would want to show off their kids work at least a little bit :-)
