The decisions revealed at the AGM perhaps lend credance to the subject of this thread. The impression is of a need to drastically curtail expenditure. COs represent a significant expenditure.
The GB has been ruthless so far in making savings - elimination of many bethalites, special pioneers, DOs, sale of kingdom hells. This ruthlessness will likely continue. The GB is now blind to the message of 1 Cor 13 - "love is kind" and are a bunch of self-appointed and cold hearted overlords who worship the "obese altar of the $". So eliminating COs may come to be. They will surely have discussed it as an option. If they are reluctant, then the deteriorating state of accounts may force their hands.
There are many ambitious elders who would take delight in the role of standing in as a CO on a temporary basis and thus help "kingdom resources" go further. The GB could portray such a change as a further example of "keeping a simple eye" as they like to say. Just add a bit more to the syllabus of the kingdom elders' school - that'll do it!