Yeah he's always been incredibly strong and quite underestimated against heavy AD teams. He's also benefited quite a bit from the juggernaut items, particularly DMP. Even the most minor interference has given him problems closing the gap and swinging for his passive in the duration of his stun and DMP makes that a much more sure thing and gives a nice damage boost besides.
And yes Taric players are probably going to hate the rework because it will most likely take him from being a strong and very consistent-within-his-niche support, to an even more situational support with a fraction of the consistency.