I have done both, and I like the new version.

It was really frustrating to watch bands fall apart because little Timmy cratered on his single attempt to play the 8 bar snare drum interlude in the middle of his first ever sightreading evaluation.

I'm sure there is heated debate amongst pedants regarding the 'true' meaning of the word sightreading, but I'm of the opinion that the new procedure is better for kids.

Bands that are well prepared will continue to succeed and bands who are not will continue to struggle.