The problem is that Monero was gaining stability and being perceived as a non volatile store of wealth and this has shaken that foundation. That i believe is the true disservice that Ricardo has accomplished. Monero has always been above this type of behavior and that is another reason why it has shocked us so much.

My tinfoil hat says he is looking to distance himself and this of course will certainly do that as well as remove him as the face but who can fill that vacuum? I think anyone that does is not going to like the position they find themselves in as I have no doubt TPTB have been making moves and being in the spotlight of the worlds best fungible coin can be (will become|all ready is) a terrifying place to be.