Easy question. Everybody considers “democratic” to be good.
Synonymous with freedom and fairness. As in “let’s do it the democratic way’. If a group is having a disagreement, as in where to have lunch, it’s let’s do it the democratic way and vote.
“Democrat” refers to a political party. “Democratic” refers to some lofty ideal.
“Everybody considers ‘democratic’ to be good.”
Aha! You nailed it - I am very suspicious that this is a purposeful change for reasons that you stated so clearly.