I think this is simplified by analyzing the key words that would affect what the answer is. Ironically, that word is "affect" here.
I would venture to say that the GDC means "affect" in the context of "changes in any way". I say that because many teams use quick connects between the motors and speed controllers. My team has used
these under the same wording of rules in previous years with only 1 question about their usage from an inspector. That question what "what is their power rating in Amps?".