Twitter's Strategy:
Step 1 - Standardize message format and control access points for consumption of Twitter content enabling easier ad unit injection into the Twitter stream.
Step 2 - ??
Step 3 - Profit.
As a very occasional visitor to the site, with no account, I've found the changes discourage my casual exploration of the service. Mnay actions lead to a sign-up / registration page. Much like G+ on Android.
