I think that before these layoffs became common, a CO couple would have said that it was their choice to leave the work for health or family reasons. I don't think they would have said they were "fired" from the circuit work if this had happened 20 years go. It would have been personally embarrassing. It would have put the organization in a bad light. So they would have revised the story in order to avoid awkward conversations and questions.
But in this letter, the CO seems genuinely honest about what has happened. As others have noted, although he says things about trusting the org, the tone of the letter puts that trust into question. Since bethelites and special pioneers have been getting pink slips, it wouldn't be that embarrassing to say you've gotten one too.
I also have a gut feeling that he's circulated this letter in hopes that someone in the circuit will be able to help them get settled out in the real world.