The decision wasn't specifically to drop a standard bar. It was to drop the existing bars because they have become heavily gamed and are far more reliable indicators of your family's resources than your ability or likelihood of success. That was the equity argument.
Unfortunately, the lost signal wasn't replaced with anything. (I don't know what could replace it. It's an incredibly hard problem. )
Easily gamed? Sure, education is pay to win on some level but we're talking basic prerequisites here. If the objection is that disadvantaged would-be students are being filtered out then start an outreach program to help them prep or something.
Unfortunately, the lost signal wasn't replaced with anything. (I don't know what could replace it. It's an incredibly hard problem. )