I agree - there have been a very small number of VIP and Club 33 special access and they have always shown deference to club level guests, but this is such a substantial change that will likely be used by a large portion going forward so that you can expect a significantly reduced "third class" experience with a ticket you purchased. That's how it's different. If a VIP tour rode a ride it likely has no appreciable effect on other ticket holder's wait times, whereas the expected wide use of
Genie+ will have a dramatic effect that was not contemplated when the tickets were purchased.
To answer the third class question, here is how Disney is now making classes at WDW:
1st Class: $/ride
Lightning Lane tickets
2nd Class: $15/day Genie+
3rd Class: Regular ticket
This is more than a "promotion", but a fundamental change in Disney ticket Policy dating back to 1982 when Disney did away with ticket books. That is why the understanding of ticket purchasers up until now was that all tickets are for the most part equal, and Disney should recognize that.