In the end its a logical choice for Larian. They knew 100% probably a year before they would make this change making everyone mad.
Casual gamers and newcomers to D&D don't use mods and are not expected too.
BG3 is really the game that shows WHY this sort of RPG isn't made anymore. Gaming $$$ is now 90% takin over by hoards of casuals, sports and RPS gamers. But I think it is very idiotic on Larian's part (actually, I really think WOTC is culprint here) to think these people are a good audience for such an amazing RPG experience.
DOS2 worked with "everyone" because everything about it was dumb down in all its systems. you had freedom for everything. Spells recharge right away. Health come back right away. Classes and kits are meaningless. You could do everything and be anyone = the most boring RPG in existence because there is no role playing, everyone is the same.
I keep hammering this for two years: SENSIBLE restrictions brings in a more fun and immersive RPG experience.
Removing the race restrictions was a bad decision but we can only hope that in dialogs the races will be more prominent with multiple race specific options
