That is EXACTLY what that letter smacked of. It said “You aren’t required to do anything” but the unwritten subtext is exactly what you say.
Have you thought of writing a reply back? You could start a vanity thread on FR by posting the text of the letter and asking for responses to it. After everyone has had their say write up a snarky reply to those bureaucratic idiots but first post what you plan to send for comments and criticisms. Once you get the final copy written post it on the same thread, send it to those Mandarins, and see what happens.
I, too, would love to see a copy of that letter...