I was a bit confused on my first read on this announcement as well. I had to re-read it a few times. xD As it felt like it could have been interpreted both ways to how you were reading it. So my take on this is:
With MDL's requirements/changes, the announcement is directed to future writers that are interested in writing for MDL.
If you meet one the following criteria, ignore the announcement as it won't apply to you:
- regular writer on MDL who has a writer tag and/or published articles
- claimed topic under your name on the MDL Article Overview sheet
- existing draft assigned to your claimed topic
If you do not meet these criteria, but is interested in writing, you won't be able to claim/write for MDL for the time being.
If an editor can confirm/refute this thought process of mine and it's not what Hwayi said where, "you simply cannot assign any more article drafts" for the moment. Because I'd understand that as well - since the MDL Article Overview sheet does seem a bit chaotic atm.