> There hasn’t been any official announcement from WordPress.com either about what we’re seeing, whether these users’ experiences are the exceptions or the rules, or anything else.

So WP .com changed a bunch of stuff and there was no warning? What world are we living in where that's wise? And acceptable?

That said, if you don't use a domain you own and control then you're going to be a victim to nonsense like this. And while I understand everyone wants something for nothing, free is never free. If more people took the time to understand the hidden cost there would be less victim'ing.