Well we could try to Figure out the motives and justification, or we can just get mad and feel smug.

Here is what the National Science Foundation has to say about it:

> "The decision to de-scope aligns with NSF's wider strategy of a nimbler approach to prioritize support for evolving scientific priorities and emerging technologies, as well as smart life cycle management within its research infrastructure portfolio."

Seems like even if we want to understand the justifications, the people making these decisions don't care to share them with us.