I believe PHANTOM is a nice addition to the ARK's ecosystem, adding a privacy layer as an option.
ARK's supporters should be supporting the projects which collaborate with ARK; too bad we have some people dreaming of jail times though.
You're right, it's just that Phantom looks a little bit shady because of the Centra's story. I'll we be very happy if they'll manage to succed, there will be a plugin for every Ark's bridgechain to include anonymity