My guessing words are-the same high-LA-player pool with more academies in Good or higher levels around the world.
This is, however, not a sound ground cuz nobody knows the exactly numbers of the high-LA-player in last and current seasons.
Besides, the averagely lowered PR of the promoted players, compared to season 7, might be a purposed manipulation by the GM.
The general level has been reduced, i have been U21 manager in the last 4 seasons, we are rarely seeing LA8 PR4 players, that was an average value in the last 2 seasons, now we are watching many LA7 PR3 players, surely it has been manipulated by the GM.
But let me be clear, i am not saying that this is bad or wrong, it's just that we must face a reality, as ruta said
now we have to buy stars. It will be very hard to get one from own acaemy.
If you ask me, i think this is a fair enviroment, those who got the best academy level earlier made their difference, there's nothing to do about it, but with those changes they are securing that other big clubs don't increase their gap with others just pulling youth players in academy.
Many people will find LA6 or 7 players unuseful and eventually sell them, minor clubs will have their chance there.