I know you are also smarter than Vitalik Buterin but for those that think otherwise.

Buterin "10 banks less likely to collude than 3-5 mining pools"
https://youtu.be/naKvYfYsBQo?t=46m55s

BTW - Here is a link that confirms "A rumor has been circulated recently that VB almost came to work for Ripple"
https://youtu.be/fbEtivJIfIU?t=11m7s