It's unfortunately just how this aspect of esport teams work, especially in games with lots of strategy like valorant. There is no doubt in my mind that Pancada is still a world class player, however it just so happens that Zellsis is popping the fuck off atm, so why as a coach would you not play him. I look at this the same way that EG started playing Demon1. Everyone complains because they were taking off a really good player in BCJ for a substitute. Now granted, not many people knew who Demon1 was at the time, but people were so quick to make judgements before they saw the potential of the change. BCJ, although now playing in tier 2, is still considered a very good player, not much has changed. Imagine Potter listened to the fan feedback and took Demon1 off and put him back on the bench after 2 games. I doubt they would have made Tokyo and I doubt they would've become world champions.
Although I'm not sure any of this matters, because from what I've heard in rumours, Pancada is still going to be starting during the regular season. Everyone needs to remember that Zellsis said HIMSELF when he was signed that he joined Sentinels as a 6th man so that he could still occasionally fulfil his competitive urge, but he would be able to have a focus on streaming/content creation. Most likely, they are using this off-season to give him the playtime he needs/wants.