"some" rule change? Do you meant the rule that went into affect in August of 2014 that changed all the ATP requirements?

Everyone tried to get their written done before the August, 2014 deadline. You have 2 years from your written to get your practical done. These guys are trying to get their practical done before that two year deadline expires.

Let's not forget you used to be able to take the written whenever you wanted, now you have to get approval to take the written...point being is that it was possible that a ton of guys were taking the written before they met the ATP practical eligibility requirements. (I would have done the same thing).
It is also possible that those same guys are just now meeting the un-restricted ATP requirements...especially if they were single seat fighter types.

As for your original question about getting the type?
Not worth it at this point...unless you are a mil guy who is out of currency because you were doing real world non flying boots on the ground jobs. If you are a Part 121 guy don't bother. If you are qualified, they will call you.