Shooting Foul & Technical - Free Throw Shooting?

[M&M Guy]

I believe the reasoning was they felt no enough T's were being called, and too much was being let go, so they lessened the penalty somewhat. Instead of the double penalty of giving up two shots AND losing possesion (in most cases), you now just give up two shots. The "powers that be" felt this might clean up the game a little more if officials wouldn't be quite as hesitant to call a T.