Most likely... EA sees C&C as a really FAT cow with lots of milk to... milk (this sounds stupid... why isn't a different verb for... nevermind...) The problem is that corporate jackasses from EA (hell) only wrok with profit in their hollow heads. For them it isn't about games, franchise, innovation, or whatever..., it's only money. "Games like AOE and SC sell a lot? Both this games have a down bar interface? Let's have a down bar interface in Generals..." Doesn't matter if somewone can build a working/ergonomic right bar interface... In my opinion, the bar could have been on the right, thus keeping a little part of the "C&C".
Back on topic, even if they decide to let the original WW team make the game (with the original ideeas) they'll impose certain "guidelines" they think will sell the game better.
BTW, one an a half years ago, when I finished the preliminary design for the TT:I project, just after the PCNC April's Fool I sent a big fat .doc to some (key) WW guys... No response yet, but, then, why does US have drones around tanks?
Hmm... Deja-vu? I'm pretty shure we'll see something "tiberium related" before this winter from EA.