Do you have any idea how many people have walked away from the game because the last few years have been so AX focused and they didn't feel the grind to get the modules was worth it? I don't know exact numbers, but I know of enough people who have expressed those sentiments to me. Some of them have come back following recent updates and announcements, and a few of them have even been convinced to start doing some of this stuff themselves on the "it's worth it, I promise!" spiel.
However, let's say they chuck £10 FDev's way and get this Chieftain? Boom, they're in the game, having fun and earning credits. Now they want to fly a different ship? They've got a choice, buy another ship for ARX and support development financially, or realise that the module unlocking/engineering process is worth it/fun and go and play the game. We now have another committed player to help support the game in every way.
It's a shift, and an uncomfortable one after all these years, no doubt. Something had to give, and developing games is ultimately a for-profit venture. We can sit here and blame mismanagement, poor Odyssey performance, whatever, it ultimately doesn't matter. We're at where we're at; FDev clearly need more money to keep the game alive. If that crosses a line for you, great, vote with your wallet, seriously, more power to you! But don't be surprised if this works and helps keep the lights on longer.