I think you and I have differing opinions on just how high a price it is. Which is fine.But it would have actually hurt the game A LOT in at least 2 ways. First is like 5e where there are endless issues with classes having different refresh models. Second it greatly complicates class design, as the designer now has to get this right each time. Third it breaks the 'universal design language' of uniform slots, preventing all the various power swaps, ability to mix and match theme/pp/ed etc. The price is quite high actually.
Me personally... I don't have an issue with differing refresh models because I don't expect, need, or want the game to be balanced on such a thin edge that you need the exact same refresh model for every class just to make sure that's what you are going to get. Too much balance results in things feeling too much the same in my opinion. And complicating class design is not something I care about, because that's on the designers themselves to work out. They know the game they are making and how much balance they feel is necessary... so I'm good with what they go with.
And as far as uniform slots? I don't think the game benefits from having things that modular that it's designed to mix and match everything. If it's going to be a class-based game... then keeping a baseline separation between abilities for a lot of classes (especially across power sources) is better in that regard I feel. And to be honest... it's not like 4E mixed and matched powers either (except in the lone case of the multiclass feats). Every class had their own set of powers and there wasn't any overlap even amongst power sources. Rather than like Fireball being a power available to all Arcane classes, it was just for the Wizard. So how much actual mixing and matching are we thinking we need?
But like I said... I actually don't concern myself that much at all with it, so if 2024E did indeed lean further into a standardized power suite a la AEDU... I wouldn't have any real issue with it (just like I don't have a problem with the return of "power sources" in the playtest). I just don't think the reasons people have given to go that way (most consistent refreshes leading to supposed better balance) to be all that important for the game. But your mileage may vary.