precisely my point. Ripple hasn't developed a fair system to distribute them.
They made all those XRP themselves. I say it's fair they get to do with them as they please. Of course, only time will tell how much people will be willing to pay for them. Which is fair enough too.
many XRP's were just handed out here on the forum one day for those willing to post an address. OpenCoin has just arbitrarily decided to hold back 50% for themselves.
it's not a fair distribution system and thus creates suspicion/resentment.
Who gets to decide what's fair? Was it fair that mining was really, really easy in the beginning?
contrast this with the proof of work system for Bitcoin. POW is one real reason Bitcoin resonates with it's adopters even today.
I've also heard people complain that Bitcoin enthusiasts are hoarding their coins. The common thread I see is that people are bitching that unlike earlier adopters, they personally won't get a chance to get filthy rich by doing nothing or very little.
i don't think you're really listening to anything i've just said. that's ok.
you're free to view the Ripple setup as you please, but IMO, it's not going to work b/c it violates just about all the principles that a successful Bitcoin has been built upon.