They indicated that base stats will play a more integral role, but were not clear exactly how. I forsee something as simple as:

Instead of being adding +23 max to <stat> you can now add +100 max to <stat>.

You will still have +20 materia that you can quintuple meld for an additional +100. (Or more realistically, +40/+60). In this way, base stats play a more integral role in your abilities, however materia still plays a vital role to further enhance.

Note: This is my interpretation of the statement given, and may not be accurate ^.^;