Ned's announcement destroyed this attempt to court Coinbase.

People openly discussing a hardfork along with the mass defection from SteemIt has seriously challenged those controlling the platform.

Ned's decision to de-emphasize SteemIt and run with SMT made a really difficult situation for everyone using SteemIt.

The fact that this particular effort to court Coinbase is a good example to hold in mind when the time comes for the community to assert control.