While the Steps of Faith was updated to be a solo duty with the help of Scions (who now appear in a modified cutscene before the duty), text before and after the duty still reflect its original status as a trial.

Alphinaud: I would have you and your adventurer allies bolster the defenses at the Steps of Faith.
Minfilia: It would seem we are to be recognized for our part in lifting the siege—you, for your valiant efforts as commander of the adventurers' contingent, and the Archons for their earnest attempts to rouse the city-states.