You’re exactly right. AT currently won’t dynamically change the periodization of your training plan, but it will make sure that the easy rides during your recovery week are more appropriately tuned to your endurance Progression Level. Another thing that can be easily overlooked is that even during tougher weeks in a training plan, Adaptive Training rarely recommends the hardest workout it can for you. Within every training week there are some easier and some tougher workouts, so many workouts AT recommends during a training plan will be in the “Achievable” category. In the end, Adaptive Training means your workouts from day to day will be more appropriate for your abilities, whether they’re meant to be hard workouts or just easier spins.
And as you’ve surmised, TrainNow does not consider periodization- so if you are on your plan’s assigned rest week but open TrainNow, you’ll still see workouts from the endurance, climbing, and attacking categories. Use with caution 