it's a good thing you pointed this out, i hope someone from ripple labs is lurking these forums and give us an answer.
I'm really trying to muster up the energy for a proper response but to be honest, the negativity on this forum towards anything that isn't bitcoin or promising overnight riches makes it not worth the hassle of posting. Any discussion of Ripple is met with false accusations of centralization, scamming, or shilling. Why should anyone waste their time writing up a lengthy reply? Ripple is going to succeed with or without approval from the bitcointalk peanut gallery.
sure. but i think it would be nice to have an answer here. and if ever that question comes up again we could use your reply as reference.
... or maybe show joelkatz the question so he could answer it...? he prolly will have more patience and spare us the time to make a reply.
thanks.