My gut instinct is that it's probably due to the ongoing conversation about gender - maybe there were issues with 'proving' your gender identity if you present very masculine perhaps? Or perhaps it's also a move towards encouraging allyship? As you say though, it could also ease congestion and have logistical benefits too.
Not sure, if I remember correctly it's usually a week or two before the fest but they've been teasing a final drop for quite a while now... wonder if they might combine announcements.
Hopefully will see relatively soon!