I think the A-List talk seems more serious because of the logo change. It's a small but powerful detail.
The writers he mentioned were a response to how Babs' and Dick's relationship will be portrayed and how he was influenced. King never really spoke about their relationship, so I'd guess that's why he has been left out while Simone has been mentioned. She isn't really a Nightwing writer. Of course, you are still onto something. I hope Spyral will enter the picture again or at least the Grayson characters but it sadly seems like wishful thinking at this point.
Speaking about Spyral: Back when Event Leviathan was happening I heard Dick was supposed to be in it before the whole Ric thing struck, is there any truth to that and if so, do you think Dick might appear in some form if Spyral is back for that Checkmate/Leviathan 2 thing Bendis is planning?