Precisely. As much as Remco wants to win, the competition, even in a "meaningless race in January," is going to try and make it as difficult for him as possible. Take Ineos, for example, they put three guys ahead of him on Alto de Colorado. Bernal surely gains morale and confidence, because he should still have a big margin to improve before July. Ganna and Higiuta also gain something.
Clearly it's too early to draw conclusions and we'll doubtless know more come spring. But the level is going to be too high for walks in the park. Plus he has the Rainbow Jersey, which makes him even more of a marked man in every race he's in.