The consequences seem foreseeable and I don't understand why the DNF would do that. The difference between copyright licensing and copyright assignment is a big deal. If you think it makes strategic sense to transition (which I don't understand either), to my mind you'd better be loud and bold, overcommunicating in order to maintain trust — with project founders, contributors, and the broader community (including outsiders like you (?) and me).
FWIW, this would never happen at the ASF. The 800 or so Members of the ASF (who elect the Board) are drawn from the projects, so the kind of people who are upset at the DNF would be in a position to take action at the ASF (by electing a different board).
FWIW, this would never happen at the ASF. The 800 or so Members of the ASF (who elect the Board) are drawn from the projects, so the kind of people who are upset at the DNF would be in a position to take action at the ASF (by electing a different board).