Just out of curiosity, if you knew this change was coming (as you said, you didn't decide this overnight), then why was it made a requirement for 2017 Champs?
Also, possibly entry numbers may have been low in X-Hoopers and even Barrelers because they weren't required for the regular NATCH, and with so many classes offered a day at trials, usually 8, people either didn't want to run their dogs in that many classes a day or didn't want to spend the money on so many classes a day, especially if it wasn't a NATCH requirement. (and yes, I understand it is for an All Around NATCH). I do mulitple agility venues, and I notice that a lot of people don't run the newer "games" in AKC because they aren't required for the AKC MACH. I'm sure it's sort of the same reasoning. Spending extra money when it doesn't go towards anything (championship). They did recently come up with a new Grand Champion type of title requiring those classes probably to encourage higher entry numbers.
And for the record, although I haven't had the chance to do a lot of X-Hoopers, I did enjoy the class and am one of the ones that will be sorry to see it CHANGED.
Jill