So someone from XC came here and confirmed that we were talking about web 3.0 on 19 Aug, and that their press release happened a few days later.

That actually is good enough to stand up in a court of IPR.  There is a precedent that was set by Google - their adWords idea was actually an idea given to them by someone else, who had to take them to court and that person now enjoys a healthy share of Google stock.

This has had me thinking.

There are somethings that have to be open source, such as the code that drives the anonymity lawyers layers (are you allowed to use a Freudian slip on purpose?) and anything related to that. That is not in question.

However, what if xyz additional services, functions, etc were done and which people felt did not have a bearing on the integrity of anonymity.  Can somethings remain closed source?

Not suggesting anything in particular, or recommending anything. Just seeking some views.

As sure as eggs is eggs, even in Cornwall, after RC5, open source, etc., I doubt work on developing Darkcoin will just stop.