D&D take a lot of flack from ASoIaF book zealots, but consider the amount of time GRRM had to map out his story for each book, and look at how little time (both in terms of episodes per season, and between seasons) D&D has to provide substance that match the depth of GRRM's books, and it's one hell of a task. As one of those that feels ADWD felt phoned-in and unnecessarily contrived, I've been fairly happy with their work after a subpar season 5, where they had to start finding their way with new material. Does it feel as weighty overall? No. And oh man, did the Arya/Sansa/Littefinger arc feel amazingly underwhelming to me this past season...but I think they could do a really good job. They certainly know how to stage a "moment" on screen.
Despite what the article reads, anyone think this might also be an attempt to have a "Plan B" in Disney's back pocket, on the heels of TLJ criticism?