From what I've seen/heard from long term members, booking has always been made available to the public first for new resorts until inventory for DVC is declared. So I don't believe this is a new thing when it comes to new resorts.
Separate inventories aside, if the resort is opening in mid-December then current members wouldn't be able to book until May anyway. There are no members with the 11 month window since they haven't started sales yet. So the point is kind of moot.