Why do I see so many calls for implementing distributed Bitcoin exchanges or putting up more robust/centralized Bitcoin exchanges when we will soon have Ripple, which perfectly provides distributed order books?
That's a pretty easy question.
Because nobody trusts "opencoin" at all now after what looks like such a clear commitment to their short-term-control wealth over any benefits the original ripple ideas may have had to offer them. Imagine if Satoshi said in 2009 he would keep 11m coins for his company and open up the door to later coinbase creations, and that open source code would come "eventually"?
Yes I had the same thought....it seems like a downside for the currency if they are holding a bunch and hoping for appreciation. In that case, they will probably do whatever they can to push the price higher.. Of course that could be a good thing for people speculating in ripples if they can successfully move the market higher.