Some benefits I see:
- the articulation of the beat occurs on the same part of the foot with every step
- the legs have a consistent look traveling both forward backward, and one that should appear more lifted/extended
- it would be difficult to perform with your weight anywhere else but centered
- fewer female hip injuries because of how the leg is accepting the weight
- less feet in the sound
- it gave them a new look that separated them from other corps
- transitions more fluidly to dance choreography
It fits, too, with the current trends in running and physical therapy research; the Vibram FiveFingers and other barefoot sport shoes, for instance, that encourage a platform running style. That said, I'm sure it has its disadvantages as well, but I applaud their decision to try something new.