I don't even think there would be a 'controversy' if Sony intended for this gen to last as long as the last one. Then putting out an upgraded PS4.5 in this manner would make perfect sense, and we would not have the clear sacrifices to 7th gen games in their later years we had.
Even though i feel more relieved, it still feels like its too early to introduce something like this, and then if they really are intended for a 6 year gen, that makes the jump to PS5 less impressive and gives PS4.5 only about 3 years on the market for relevance anyway.
With this move they are doing, my solution is that they should extend the generation of "PS4" for a few more years than they would have otherwise, if they have a premium unit for people who care about better performance and aren't as under pressure to put out a more powerful unit. Say 2021 or so, if they launch it next year.