You know, i hear the terms and I get the general concept, but your post clarifies what I have been hearing.
The FAA decided it would be better to start Baltia off on this new "SMS" rather than have them start off (get certified) on the old system and then switch later.
Apparently this training "in advance" is viewed as a positive sign that the FAA intends to certify Baltia, and further, I have been told that the training is not interfering with the mini or the Proving Flights.