Now let's assume that you have 100% undeniable, completely verifiable proof that people connected to Bytecoin/CryptoNote at some level are responsible for the launches of QCN, FCN, MCN, etc. Now answer this for me:
That seems pretty well demonstrated at this point.
What is the extent of fuckery that they can perform using these coins and how can they scam people with it?
I'd say it is up to you as a coin participant/user/investor to decide.
Now that you know who and what you are dealing with, if you think this is a good opportunity for you, go for it!
I happen to think you are insane if you do that, but to each his own.
I pretty much thought I answered your questions has to how they are going to scam you:
1. They actually put very little time and effort into the development. It's all smoke and mirrors, and someone (who is probably, behind the scenes, "developer" of many coins) showing up every once in a while to post a shallow or meaningless message but not actually doing any real development. In other words, this whole charade costs them very little, but also accomplishes very little besides keeping the coin alive so it can occasionally get pumped.
2. Asymmetric information. Which is a fancy way to say that they know when they are going to abandon the coin and let it die and you don't. You can be sure they will have cashed out all their coins by that point (or at least as many as they decide it is worth cashing out), and you won't have (unless you are very lucky).
But good luck with it.
I'm interested in OP's opinion on this though. Although I've been skeptical of Bytecoin almost from the beginning and doing a little digging here and there, he's obviously put a lot more time into researching it all, especially the clones.