Yeah, I felt the same ad you until I found out the opt in part.

As far as I understand, the only way to get above default base quality is to first create the new modules that will give you a chance of increased quality items, kickstarting a feedback loop of quality items.

But as long as you have base quality materials and base quality machines you get base quality results.. So I think I'm on board, but it was the weirdest update I've seen so far for Factorio