Tbh, I'd rather see a seasonal forecast that genuinely reflects the current understanding of meteorology than one that pretends to have knowledge that (arguably) doesn't exist...
Unlike with the MetO (computers or not) the media always forgets about the loons who, year-in, year-out, predict the next '47 or '63 based on berries, hedgehogs, waxwings, grebes, sheep or whatever...
That said, I agree - this year's 'forecast' is a little odd. Maybe a tad too defensive methinks??