There's been at least one CEC draw since the pandemic - but before these were extremely rare events.Yea you are right that my score is not high enough for a general draw. And because it's now impossible to get another IELTS test, I can't really improve my score.
However, looking at past CEC draw history, there's been consistently at least 1 draw per month, and the cut-off score is also getting lower and lower. Hopefully the new stream won't affect CEC draw quota...
One could argue that with the release of these new pathways / programs, it's IRCC's intent to stop the CEC specific draws. That's the risk you face. I personally wouldn't risk it and would apply through the new pathway.