Blue
Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal
Sure, a 'player empowerment feature,' say. 5e focuses more on 'DM empowerment features.' They don't always have to be at cross purposes like that, but in this case I guess they are.
Saying that the DM should communicate to they players rule changes and be consistent about applying rules isn't "player empowerment", it's an expected courtesy for a group to play. At my table (whether I'm DM or player) a minimum requirement. It has nothing to do with if you are playing 5e or not, that's irrelevant.
5e recommends rulings not rules. That doesn't mean you can't tell them to the players and be consistent unless something is broken.