The former is doing what they must to retain their their control under the guise of decentralization.

I agree although I wouldn't lump everyone in that category. It'll be interesting to see what witnesses stay on STEEM / Go to HIVE or try to be witnesses on both.

Assuming what you say about 1 and 3 is true, the the decentralization is nothing more than a selling point but not the reality.

Its to the best of my knowledge ...... There's likely others who are more closely following the situation that can give a better explanation and information then what I can.

The good part about (1) is it means the Steem(it) accounts that got "excluded" has a much better chance at getting the "airdrop" they are currently "excluded" from due to "thier" coins not being destroyed. If the Tokens were destroyed instead the chances of the excluded accounts being able to reverse that decision would be next to @null.

This is why I, once I recover my strength from an illness I have succumb to, will continue to create the new vision. I refuse to allow the corrupt to lord over me and think I don't speak for myself in that capacity.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Edit: Self upvoted to get ahead of the giant wall created by the HIVE advertisement.