Honestly, I wouldn't think that one would have anything to do with the other. They look at Tier 1 versus Tier 2 based on how FPs are being used. Most likely reason: -they found that no-one was signing up for Maelstrom FPs, but because it is a slightly more popular ride than most at Epcot the waits were getting long with no-one having FP. So by moving it to Tier 2, they are hoping to shift more FP+ there. The problem Epcot has is the only true "Tier 1" rides are Soarin' and Test Track, with Illuminations probably ranking a distant third. Anything outside of those are a waste of Tier 1. However, they are probably hesitant to only have three choices in the "Tier 1" level, and are just moving things around to try and find the right balance. In the end, though, this would be the proper use for the tiers at Epcot. Back to the topic at hand, the change is certainly not a sign of a refurb coming. If anything, I would think they would LEAVE it a tier 1, as coming out of the refurb it would give a popularity boost.
