Today, several questions had rollbacks to versions that were 100% different to the question it was turned to by the OP. As reason "New questions should be asked as such. Total rewrites are not acceptable." was given, but there is no such policy to be found on META.
In one case, the rollback invalidated an answer that was given relying on the new question:
The rolling back person did comment:
Before answering, you should first check that the question makes sense. Total rewrites to avoid a question suspension are not acceptable, and should not be rewarded by answers.
I do not agree to this sentiment that an answerer has to research the question history. Questions are to be answered as they are found. The dilemma was enhanced by that answer having been accepted - making deletion of the now wrong answer impossible. Following, the rollback was reversed by Moderator.
Hypothetical example to clarify what is asked here:
Assume the original author asked about (the right to have banana trees) and then - presumely breaking the rules - rewrote their question to ask about (the obligations of owning the yellow brick road), and someone answered... may you rollback to the old question?
Which version of the question is to be kept: (Banana tree owner rights) or (Yellow Brick Road Owner Oblgations)?"
Policy demand
What shall be the formal policy about total rewrites, especially since it is not visible from the questions themselves that they have been totally rewritten and "recycled" by the owner compared to normal edits?