We already seem to have some shifting in core by the release of BP148 code, correct?
"Core" did not release BIP148. A number of core devs support it and released it but there is enough opposition to it such that it is not in the core codebase and won't be.
I seem to understand that Core is not any kind of quasi-centralized entity, even though it is frequently accused of being such, and maybe I am coming around to labelling core a s a system with loosely affiliated individuals and some have commit authority within the group.
And, maybe also I am just using the wrong words to describe what I perceive to be taking place when there seems to be a release of software?
Does it mean anything when I see listed "signing keys" as Luke and Wladimir, like in this?
https://bitcoinuasf.org/