Those who decry medals seem to be those who miss out on the qualification, but I do understand the sensitivities of the cut-off date. I've worn each and every medal that I have been awarded with pride. The UK is honourably strict with medal criteria so I think that a medal indicating 15 (or more) years' service is a small recognition from the Sovereign that does mean a lot to the individual. As mentioned before, I've accumulated a few Op medals and a foreign one over the last 20-odd years so perhaps it is a bit lost on me, however the opportunities for me to wear medals except at, say, Remembrance Day, are vanishingly few.
This is a very positive move, long overdue and issued with equanimity.