I figured they weren't going after the archie sonic comics scandals with Ken penders and they added all those rules including no romance
To be specific, they never stated that romance itself was prohibited. Only that the characters weren't allowed to be *too* overt in expressing romantic affection and that they couldn't date(as we've seen in the IDW comics and Boom). Personally, I think Sega is just ready to move on from that debacle at this point, especially since it's been well over a decade since they created that mandate. I also wouldn't be surprised if Flynn himself may have had a hand in convincing them.
I don't think SEGA is moving on from that because they knew that if they decided to make SonAmy to be canon, in games and in other media, they will pissed off Sonic X Sally shipping fans badly (not mention of the fact they are not returning to any of the SatAM cast and elements due to not only licensing but also nostalgic reasons -and also $$$-). It is at best for them to do teases for now that may lead to dates but mix it with their adventures. I could see this as the current route for Sonic and Amy now in the IDW comics.
Right now, the mandates are staying, despite messing up Shadow's characterization in IDW. One thing I loved that Sonic mentioned Tangle, so it looks like she, Whisper and the rest (such as new "villains" Surge and Kit) are officially canon-immigrants to the franchise.