That's exactly right. They were done a big favor in that study. As a result, they completely changed the way their RC works with XT32. Here's a comparison somebody did between XT and XT32, measuring the pre-outs:
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As you can see, XT (blue line) does diddly in the low frequencies, where EQ is needed the most. Then it goes nuts in the high frequencies, trying to correct hundreds of tiny little dips and bumps (which mostly wouldn't be audible anyway) most likely only making the sound worse.
XT32 on the other hand, goes after the bass frequencies with much higher resolution giving it a much better chance of providing a smooth room response at those frequencies. At higher frequencies, it transitions to much broader, smoother "tone control" type changes. Those are unlikely to harm the sound of good speakers (with smooth directivity curves) with the correct target curve (though, determining that is obviously the hard part) and could certainly make them sound "better" in a preference related way for individuals (a really good speaker that's just a bit bright could have the highs brought down a bit, etc). I have no doubt XT32 with a good custom target curve appropriate for the speakers being tested would do quite well in such a study today.
The App really unlocks the capability of Audyssey XT32 to the point the end result is largely dependent upon the person using it, not limitations of the software itself. I really wish they'd make it more user friendly by including a few different "Global Target Curves" that may get people closer to a good end result more quickly and easily. But those results are obtainable with the current App, it just takes a little effort.
It's unfortunate, but I'd guess about 99% of people who are dissatisfied with XT32 did not go through this exercise. Of course, until a couple of years ago it was impossible without paying for the Pro version so it isn't necessarily their fault.
