I am about to let fur and feathers fly and be the horrid naysayer:
This is not new and the ZorinGroup has officially stated support for a direct upgrade path from 15 to 16 before.
This may seem cold and harsh - but the reality is that I am well aware that I am not the only person that remembers this - and existing threads on this forum cover that issue.
It is quite true that other necessities delayed further development of the Direct Upgrade path. And it is also true that this has been delayed again in Zorin OS 16, in spite of it being listed as a priority for the ZorinGroup. Let's not forget as well that Ukraine was invaded during this development cycle.
And while I may possibly garner the ire of the forum administrators - It cannot be ignored.
Because too many remember the previous statements and that they did not materialize and I have zero doubt in my mind... That they will point this out in this thread far more unkindly than I.
I am being pragmatic - not mean.
A sense of trust is necessary between user and developer. The users must have some trust that the developers can meet their own stated goals or support delays. They must be able to trust that the developers can keep the users interests to heart.
I'd rather it be me that raises this now, as I have little interest in the direct upgrade path. Those who do have a vested interest - will be... far more vocal.