Why change the timezone using YAML instead of directly from the UI, if you used the UI for everything else? I'm not trying to victim-shame, it's still unacceptable that all the settings were lost.
They're a bit much, but in this case, they've clearly added to the discussion. It helped to show the distrust and skepticism around product announcements by Google. It also helps us question whether it's worth it for us to invest time, money and/or effort into a project.