I don't get all the fuzz. How can the (very normal) inflation curve of XMR be considered a major, major problem. Only because price has been grinding lower and lower and some whales showing their love by asking for a reduced inflation rate?

This tech is brand new. There is no real world adoption yet with devs honing the code on a continuing basis. Awareness is growing but the market, together with the entire altcoin market, is grinding lower.

Look, the inflating curve was known from the start. If your early adopter investment disappoints,  sell and leave or just hold and go with the program. A negative development of a few people's investment should never be a reason to fork. The current price is just what the market dictates. The loss of the early adopter is gain of the new investor. There is no 'right' price for XMR other than the market price.

The issue could be price development. Well, start contributing to things that benefit development then. Only this will bring XMR further. Just limiting coin issue only because a whale perceives it beneficial for its investment will do more damage than good. I think the devs and community understand this perfectly well.