Lunchbox
Old chap let's be very clear about one thing...absolutely no one has mentioned an Immediate Pension Point. Quite the opposite. They have very deliberately spoken of 'normal retirement age' and reinforced that with '55 for AFPS 75' etc, hence the statement that those over 45 will probably see no change.
It is entirely plausible that the '16 year point' will disappear. Unless you are 45 plus you have things to consider. If you are past a 16 year point in Mar 15 then you have the (possibly very attractive) option to walk.
And why wouldn't you? As is often stated, our pensions are brilliant. But you have to leave to get it.