The one time free transfer rule was proposed and would've likely been adopted before the pandemic. Given the extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic and the circumstances brought on by the pandemic, essentially every transfer decision was rubber-stamped, even if the players has transferred multiple times. However, under the terms of the initial rule, there is a "one-time" component to it. Once a player transfers once, he/she can't transfer a 2nd time without sitting a year (about special circumstances as determined by the NCAA). Don't see the free transfer rule changing, but think the NCAA should:
a) limit the transfer portal to a specific period in the off-season (no in season transferring)
b) enforce the "one-time" aspect of the rule; so, that absent exceptionally unusual circumstances, a player transferring a second (or a third) time must sit out (this would also limit the recruiting of players at other programs)
c) at least try to implement legit penalties if a coaching staff is found to have recruited a player before he enters the portal
In the current environment when every transfer decision is approved, players get sloppy and impulsive in selecting their transfer destination with the knowledge that they can just transfer again, if it doesn't immediately work out. Coaches don't need to be as a careful in offering ships to players looking to transfers because it's just a one year commitment.