The number one problem with the revised abuse-handling policy being voted up on by US Catholic bishops is that it should have been the policy all along, at a minimum.
The number two problem with it is that it’s too little, too late. Inserting references to due process, to waivers to be “certainly” granted by the Pope, of “commitments” to undictated action by bishops, all depends on the bishops being trusted by the laity to handle these matters diligently and quickly.
The problem is, too many of the laity don’t trust the bishops, because they know the Church has been dragged, kicking and glowering, into taking the matter seriously — and that the Vatican has shown more interest in making sure that the laity knows who’s in charge here. Hence getting lay review boards out of the disciplinary picture, and refusing to impose any punishment on bishops who don’t follow the policies.
The policy to be adopted is better than nothing, and probably more than many of the Vatican powers want. What the Church may really need is probably too draconic for anyone’s taste.
But that’s what happens when you squander trust — it comes back to bite everyone on the butt.