if CORE implemented the hard fork because other codebases want it(only core is determined to say no).. there would be no controversy and also it wont be moving away from core..
instead it would just ensure that core doesnt become the centralized codebase it has become.. because other dev-groups will have their own versions.

so far core is saying no.. thus core is causing the controversy. by force.. basically its cores way or no way

also core has a road map.. how can something be decentralized if its already planned in the next 2 years that are not open to change... something open and decentralized should be open to changing directions.. not a one way street

im guessing you will say that core has over 100 coders... as the distraction to try to hide the centralization.
sorry but Apple have thousands of coders.. but it doesnt mean that apple is not centralized company