I think the auction is a very good idea. It will be done not long before the release so it will be a very good advertising and allow the last people to get in before the madness.
It was announced a long time ago. The 4 million coin number was announced a long time ago. It is a long term plan and a very smart one. I think The only ones against it are greedy people that want instant gratification so they can dump more nem when it is officialy out and arrives on an exchange.
Or dump less nem given that they may potentially be more valuable.
I think it's important that regardless whats decided, we also stick the original plan in every regard (That is, the plan before UP left). If there's any deviation, it'll open things up to debate - and to trolls - and unnecessary smear.