When you have such a successful formula, you should only make minor changes. There should be changes, so it doesn't grow stale - but never change something too drastically if it's been working fine.
I just saw that Tobias Ludvigsson (stagiaire who signed 2 years for Skil Shimano) finished 17th on the final stage and moved up to 16th total on final GC. I knew the guy was somewhat good at hills but this was beyond anything I thought he could do. It will be very intersting to see how he can develop.