They needed to close Whizzer early to start construction on MaxxForce. The ride wasn't going to be open for HITP anyway so might as well get a head start.
If the park is going to continue doing HITP, we have to realize that things will close early some years to start the regular off season maintenance. They are going to do what they need to do. They won't care if the GP is upset because Whizzer is closed for half of FF. Do you want MaxxForce or no? It needed to close in order to start footers for it.
I was at FF last Saturday, and it was pretty crowded. Lines were managable for the most part. The pond was no longer red but foggers were in full effect. It didn't seem too much different from FF we've seen over last few years.