Apparently, opponents of the rule change want kicking teams to both: use speedier, eligible numbers on punts for better coverage *AND* sometimes use those same players as eligible receivers by putting them on the end of the line, often through deceptive shifts and alignments. The old rule affected the precarious balance between offense and defense on punt plays and placed the defense at a significant disadvantage. It's not surprising that fans don't understand this. It's disturbing that so many coaches don't (or at least don't care). The NFL has understood this for decades and why players must report when playing in a different position than their number requires.

There most certainly is a compelling reason. Kicking teams had become extremely creative with formations in order to confuse the receiving team with respect to who may or may not be eligible, i.e., who needed to be covered in case of a fake punt. There was an unfair advantage that is now significantly reduced or eliminated. Fundamental principle of the rules: Start the play fairly for both sides of the ball.