I think most of the “unfairness of ED” arguments go away if (possibly a big if) the NPCs are accurate and universities stand by them. Then families are going into the process with their eyes open.
Merit awards get subtracted from need awards at most of the ED schools I’m familiar with.
ED agreements are NOT “binding unless I get a better offer.” You promise to attend except in the case that the college is truly not affordable.
It really angers me when posters here say it is fine to break Early rules. No. It is unethical to apply to two schools SCEA or to turn down an ED acceptance because you ‘got a better offer.’