It's a good move by the TTD and should set an example for others, though they are not the first to do so. In fact, there is an Iyengar scholar in Karnataka who has been helping everyone irrespective of cast to take up conducting prayers for quite a while now.
The great Acharyas of the past recognised the good in all casts; that's why there are more non-brahmin alwars in the Sri Vaishnavite tradition. The "Proud Brahmin" seems to forget instances where dalits, etc were honoured by these Acharyas.
The "Kanakana Kindi" episode in Udupi clearly shows that the diety there did not distinguish between Brahmins and others among his bhakta's or devotees.
