I think Bitfloor could be more popular immediately upon reopening than it was a week ago if (1) it could immediately make all deposited BTC available for withdrawal and (2) it demonstrated a new security approach that is perceived as innovative and robust. This is possible. There are a lot of people who have had great experience with Roman and Bitfloor and are willing to back him as an investor. I am willing to consider doing so myself. A relevant fact is that Bitfloor doubled its volume between June and August, showing they were really doing something right.
If they could demonstrate that they could keep obligations to customers even in the event of a security breach and also show that another security breach is extremely unlikely, then this would mean Bitfloor is the safest exchange to use.
Also, no publicity is bad publicity as they say. It has attracted a lot of attention these last few days.
I agree with what you say here. But your if is an enormous one. And Roman's silence on either intent or the means to repay the BTC holders is deafening.
Every day that situation continues adds to the people that will never return to his business.
My motivation for offering his debt for sale here was largely curiousity on the concensus opinion of the likelyhood he will ever repay. There was a lot of people eager to invest in Bitfloor right after his announcement. Stranglely, none of them are stepping up with bids.