Theoretically, they gave us more Prog points to allow us to
fight better for the core modules.
However, as you pointed out, most of our core modules must be taken
in order. Some low-level modules must be cleared first as
pre-requisites for the higher-level modules. As a result, the Engin
department was kind enough to set aside more than enough places for
everyone to ensure that everyone can get the core mods that they
wanted.... which totally rendered the bidding process moot.
As for electives, some electives are admittedly more popular than
others... but even then, most of the time, the number of places
exceed the number of bidders, requiring just one bid point in the
process.
And right now, I have one more Unrestricted Elective Module to
clear, and I can't even bid for a freakin' cross-faculty Science
module. 
