That may be true, but for large companies they changed the business model where large account resellers would bid under cost to sell EAs, etc.

They effectively raised the cost significantly for perpetual licensing/SA to push you into services agreements. Simultaneously, you get favorable terms (ie. anything other than MSRP) only if you commit long-term. Upon renewal they try to make you give up your right to transition back to perpetual licensing for Office.

So my bet is this is bullshit, shifting office dollars to O365, which include plans where you're just renting Excel.