Yes there's quite an epic battle within the Steem community that's playing out for sure. I think it's good to remember that Justin Sun's attempt at a hostile takeover failed this time, and now we've entered a standoff period. Steem isn't as small a market as I thought actually, I guess it depends what you're comparing it to. It's a sizeable market but I fully acknowledge that a few players, even as you say one whale, can have a significant effect on the Steem market if they decide to. But haven't we seen this type of activity within the traditional markets, a small market emerging for one type of asset then bigger players coming in to mould it into something that will make them more money?

I couldn't agree more with you as regards decentralised v centralised. It would be an absolute disaster should the Steem blockchain ever suffer from central control, and I know this has been an ongoing debate on this platform as to whether Steemit is a truly decentralised chain but if Justin Sun had got his way last week then there could have been no conceivable way that Steemit could be decentralised with that level of central control. This is why the battle for the soul of Steem is so important, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the community's ability to unite and repel the invaders. I hope when the next battle comes the response is equally robust.

If we really are due an altcoin season then I'm bullish about Steem.