In UI2, when you needed to add a property to a text component there was a button for it just next to a text field, so you when you use variants the text will be easy to change.
For some reason someone thought that putting that function under “Apply variables” button (with variant icon) and adding extra steps to access this function will be SO user friendly and so much better.

As a software for UX designers, have you even tested it on various UX designers?
When you read the amount of complains for new UI update, maybe it’s something you should consider to make your customers satisfy? At least bring back the option to bring back the old UI!