Yes it does, Joseph. Does it really represent their opinion, or does it represent the opinion of the askan who forced it on them? That’s why you need a rebbe. Kol Korehs are worthless.
furthermore, last year’s kol koreh does not apply for this year. You keep avoiding the question, but it’s a big one- why did they not sign it again? The obvious implication is thet the Jewish Star article is correct- they decided on second thought that banning it is counterproductive.