If we don't give XEL to @EK, the project will die just after the launch of mainnet...
FUD
but there is one truth behind it:
we clearly need a pool/fund/foundation for paying further dev after launch. We cant rely on EK, he already stated that he will step back
EK can do what he wants. But this is his baby, so I have a hard time imagining he will walk away completely. Keep in mind, he made that comment about stepping back in the midst of people pestering him about money, roadmaps, and status updates. That would irritate anybody. He is trying to work on the big picture, while people are only interested in the minutiae.