How else would it be possible to pay back remaining 45%? If there is no fiat or new crypto in the system, btce token cannot be bought, thus no 45% debt re-payment. Very simple. Also, if btce tokens can be traded with crypto it will result that crypto holders will make big bucks whereas fiat holders will be double fucked. So, from the 55% for everybody POV it makes sense btce tokens can only be traded with fiat.
There could be new crypto in the system. After the Bitfinex token scenario, I wouldn't put anything past the greater fools in this market. What I mean is, I think that if withdrawals are flowing, the site is stable, and there is some level of trading (likely no fees for some time), some fools may actually enter the exchange to buy up the tokens.
For another thing, I suspect BTC-e is pocketing a good deal of funds here. Maybe they plan to provide liquidity. Combined with verification tiers / limited withdrawals, people are forced to trade. The exchange could also manipulate the token prices as well (I certainly suspect Bitfinex did).
I just wish that BTC-e would do right by fiat holders. Bitfinex overall did a good job evening out the haircut. There's no easy answer; every outcome will leave some people pissed off. But ideally, I think they should be freezing asset values at the time of server downage and denominating everything in USD value, then distributing crypto assets on an equal loss basis, based on available funds. There should be a clear formula that puts all creditors in the same boat. I'm a BTCUSD trader and I happened to be waiting out the dip. Sucks that the people on the other side of the BTCUSD trade seem so much better off.
I have a Russian friend who is actually quite happy to get fiat denominated value and thinks that if the exchange relaunches, that it will rebuild trust quickly. That sounds insane to me, but I was also amazed at the Bitfinex recovery last year.
Yes, Bitfinex has set how a trading platform can really recovered from a devastating scenario like hacking. They decided against shutting down the exchange and bet they could pull out of the mess. By offering at least 64% returns for customers, they are relieved by this effort by Bitfinex. However, by offering tokens to the customers, 36 percent that was taken from their accounts. Management promised the tokens would eventually be exchanged for cash or equity in Bitfinexs parent company. Initially, the price of each token plunged. Eventually, a cycle kicked in. As the tokens rose in value, confidence swelled and traders returned, boosting earnings from transaction fees and the likelihood of a successful turnaround is seen. While its not clear whether Bitfinexs recovery strategy is one that will be adopted for another crisis, the idea of using tradeable tokens is catching on. And I personally think that if BTC-e wants to recover and pay this customers back, they can used this strategy that Bitfinex has managed to pull.