seems more he is coping opposition not so much for doing it but for calling it "Muay Thai" and by people who apparently believe Muay Thai should only be fought in a square, roped, ring. JWP's is a round cage so you could say that he has the only "true" ring. It sounds like it is more advise and views he has had from people he acknowledges and respects rather than fb haters having a go at him. fb fans are all behind him on it. IMO just because somethings develop and become slightly different don't mean everything has to be changed, renamed or that its not true to its roots. Sandy, about sealing off the ring, well if people are serious about their superstitions then they just seal off the octogon, simple & no issue. The intent and belief behind it is more important than the number of corners you stop at. If you can walk in through a door then you don't need to go over the top. Going over rather than through the ropes is just to keep the head above the feet so walking in through a door will not be an issue to the superstitious.
As I understand the rules are still FTR except for the glove weight and it is just a matter of padding two opposing posts with white pads for netural corners.