I won't knock FA. The app is not for users who want to go out and do a single job for $3 or $4. That would not be cost-effective. This is for people who are already in a store, or out on a route and can duck in, etc. I'm not doing too much with the app this year, so I've only made $146. Last year I made over $2,000. This was using the app in a manner to double, triple and quadruple up on jobs in the same store or close by. I've been very good at finding the Eye Spy items and there are tricks to make those go a little easier. I've also done several Ratings & Reviews through buying items in a store, and also having products shipped to my home.
As for the OP's point, I wondered the same thing: Whether the penalty on the points will be coming back. If I had to guess, that is something they are considering. I also think @Sshhhopper is also onto something. Maybe they have seen an increase in cancellation which is impacting their bottom line. They need to figure out what is behind it. It could be something in the directions is confusing people.
I keep the app on my phone for when I'm in a store already, I can make a few extra bucks if I have the time.
There is the truth.
Then there is the right thing to say.