Yeah, I felt the same ad you until I found out the opt in part.
As far as I understand, the only way to get above default base quality is to first create the new modules that will give you a chance of increased quality items, kickstarting a feedback loop of quality items.
But as long as you have base quality materials and base quality machines you get base quality results… So I think I’m on board, but it was the weirdest update I’ve seen so far for Factorio
Friday Facts #375 - Quality | Factorio (factorio.com) angielski
Every Item, Entity, and Equipment has 5 possible qualities now, and each quality tier gives an improved bonus value, used for most of the stuff...