PedalDad,
You said it all in the first line of your OP....the NCAA is a self-serving organization. Contrary to the commercials they run, it is not about the student athlete. So, don't look for any help there. The NCAA is as helpful as a hemorrhoid....always keep that in mind.
The concept of an early commitment is always going to fall on the shoulders of the recruit as well as its risk. The process is set up that way, and it will continue to be unless there is a major change in college sports. I agree with Go44Dad that if they really wanted to benefit the athlete they'd allow LOI to be signed anytime, but that isn't going to happen. So, where does this leave everyone hoping to play scholarship ($$) baseball? Same place, you just have to know ahead of time what you want (more parental and recruit research about the process), execute your recruiting plan earlier, and be willing to accept more risk if it comes to that because there is less time for a recruit to build a market (introduce additional suitors into the process) for himself. But honestly, these recruiting changes aren't all that much different for most people willing to take an early commitment risk to play college baseball. P5 coaches know they could have a line outside their door of kids willing to roll the dice on an early commitment.
As always, JMO.