SSL and https usually mean the same thing.
They should, but not in my experience with Electrum.
SSL means there is persistent connection encrypted with SSL, HTTPS means HTTP over SSL. So not same; not only in Electrum.
To rule out bad network configuration, can you try to connect to any of the servers outside of Electrum? Try:
nc -v servername 50002
And see if it says "connected".
I don't think Electrum servers are dropping SSL support. Have you changed your router recently by any chance?