I think you are reading more into the argument than is there. It's not an argument that the current system is good or that the new system is bad. It's an argument that the premise that we thought they were free is a bullshit premise.

Debating which tax policy is better is a perfectly fine thing to do. But it's not fine to begin that debate by mischaracterizing the status quo.

The new system might be wonderful, but that doesn't exist hyperbolic, inaccurate journalism.