I think the issue is less that they nerfed it, though 75 to a possible 9 is an absurd decreased, but that in a game with so many other problems they objectively make the game worse.

Something like...

Epic "How is our new game doing?" Community Manager "It seems the community is mad about all the RNG, excessive grinding, the cost to upgrade/transform things, ninjas being weak and people gathering during missions." Epic "I see. Anything they do enjoy?" Community Manager "It seems they like that caches during Protect the Shelter give a lot of materials. Makes it easier to fight off the waves and make traps, since you can easily get 100+ nuts and bolts from opening caches." Epic "What?! Put all other fixes on hold. This needs to be done swiftly and quietly." Developer "So, you thinking about half the current rate?" Epic "No. Let's do around 10 percent so and if there is an issue, we can get to it at a later date." Developer "This seems like a bad idea, but okay. Should we include it in the patch notes, so, you know, people are aware?" Epic "Nah! I doubt anyone will even notice."