Probably a bit late on this whole debate, but having played a while using the new system i have the following comments to make.
I was Master level and got nudged to Tour Master after the change.
Now after the change my okish set of clubs did not get the same level of backspin etc before the change, which is bizarre - my average therefore took a tumble and i had to upgrade clubs and balls to get anywhere near the old control i had over the balls. COnsidering i specifically picked my old set of clubs to give me a specific game/control and now had to buy new ones to 'stand still' i find this rediculous and if i had known it would have bought the master clubs straight away.
My other big gripe is that while playing a few match plays, i note a lot of people have putter that you can't get until you something like level 50 or even 70! and thiese provide huge advantage. It incredible that such a system could be implemented that 'locks out' some player from having the same equipment as others, becuase they did not buy it before a window of opportunity closed.
The truth is all clubs should be available to anyone, however the levels and unlocks should allow long term users to get the clubs for free. I.e 'pay' to shortcut your way to the top or 'PLay' your way there for low cost. of balls etc.