Regarding that second part, if i remember correctly, their trying to shut down numerous FSDO's that had less than 25test last year. AOPA didn't like this because it eliminates potential growth or something like that. I cant remember and I deleted the email.
The testing centers are what's being shut down, not FSDO's.
SMALL KNOWLEDGE TESTING CENTERS LOSE CERTIFICATION
Under a new FAA policy, roughly 120 CATS and LaserGrade testing facilities
across the country have lost their knowledge test administration privileges
because they gave fewer than 25 tests last year. AOPA has requested that the
FAA reverse its policy and immediately reinstate the testing centers'
privileges. "AOPA is very concerned that this FAA policy punishes existing
testing providers and does not support the ongoing industry effort to grow
the pilot population," wrote Rob Hackman, AOPA senior director of regulatory
affairs, to the FAA. The FAA's policy actually presents a barrier to students
pursuing their pilot certificate--a barrier that would only exacerbate the
current decline in new student starts. Read more on AOPA Online.