This change in policy would appear to have removed annual confirmation of stewards?
It seems the proposal would alter the confirmation process so that only other stewards would be able to participate in it.
No. The change is no change in practice, only in the actual formulation of it. Stewards confirmation was always due to the stewards community, non-stewards are free to comment but there was no voting. This will not change.
Best regards, Thogo.