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I'm unable to answer that question, since there is few to zero communication from Steemit, Inc. But is that anything new? :-)

Not sure how they believed they'd build trust in the community and among investors, but ignorance is surely not the best strategy. They'll learn the lesson sooner or later... I don't care much about Steem anymore for that very reason. We need to move on.

That is the way of the world.
Outside influences will effect SteemIt. Probably more impacting than any inside forces. But all is not lost here. Change or die. My hope is that SteemIt will adapt and flourish, even if not at the top spot.
Coke/Pepsi.

True story!
Competition stimulates business.
Even though I’ll never become a Pepsi lover in this life ;-))