He had his RPAL, and restricteds. When he renewed, he didn't have them anymore. That's no reason for you to lose that status though. You paid for that RPAL. You will now have to pay again, and take the test to get it again.
That's CRAP!
If that's exactly how it happened, then I agree with your sentiment.
I don't understand why someone, who went through the trouble of getting an RPAL, would be denied a renewal of same based on not having any restricted firearms at the time of renewal. A course was taken and money was paid.
As a comparison, someone who no longer owns a car does not lose their drivers' license.