@020f2d21…81a81c3e has been even, logical, frank, and professional all throughout the incredibly contentious #datacarrier debate. He has stood his ground. Refined and even shifted his thoughts along the way. I think his involvement has been hindered and his reputation tarnished by two things out of his control. First, the astonishing level of black/white thinking on both sides. Binary thinking is a strong temptation for (even brilliant) people since it seems to simplify arguments and clarify a position. But in complex issues like this it is nearly never accurate or helpful. This is one reason Back's arguments have confused many. He argues from nuance. This alienates his position from many participants. Second, combined with the above the formation of polar factions has resulted in communication styles that have leaned into passionate and often dehumanizing language words like "retarded, low IQ, enemy, compromised" and so on have reduced the conversation to a non productive lowest common denominator. So each side demonizes those who disagree with them while exalting their own positron and "virtue" FAR too much. "Cyphetpunks/knights, saviors, devs (an exalted position)" and so on. All with vicious mockery of the other side. The childish namecalling brats who have taken center stage for their tribe have drowned out the people with reasoned, gentle arguments and done actual damage to their reputations by proxy.. Not just Back but many level headed folks. Bitcoin will survive this. And the adults in the room will recover their reputations and the damage done to their businesses. It will be harder for those who acted like spoiled children though. And that is just. In the end we are guilty of putting people on pedestals. We use "Don't trust, verify" as a virtue signaling bumper sticker when we SHOULD be concentrating on what misplaced trust can do... And concentrating on VERIFYING our positions OURSELVES rather that raising the flag of a tribe.