A very difficult argument this is.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could take the high road.

However, that time ... no, that was never an option
Ned and Dan conspired long ago to have a controlling interest, if ever they needed it, in the STEEM blockchain they were creating.

It is hard to get something started, and if you don't have enough pull with the peoples, then having a backup plan seems like good idea... except it goes against everything STEEM.

Now, the sale to Mr. Tron seems to have been preplanned.
(but how long ago?)
As in, if Ned did this same thing, he would have been crucified.

And, if @edicted is correct about accounts being made long ago for Mr. Tron, then why the bleep wasn't Mr. Tron talking to all the witnesses, building bridges, gaining trust?

Unless i knew what STEEM was, i would never have made a deal with Ned.
It would have been, i will pay $x after i talk to everyone.

The last piece is, did Mr. Tron know about STEEM and what it was?
Or did he really think, hey i am being sold controlling interest in this other blockchain, i think i will buy it up.