I'm the original dev of ZED. My team decided to let it die after the problems with MintPal, Cryptsy et al. We had a total re-design of ZED for 2.0 (web, coin logo, wallet, etc.) but it was way too much of a headache and money pit to keep going. We paid far too many BTC of our own to get it listed on large exchanges (that ended up stealing, or failing when we'd have a huge run on ZED), and ended up coming out in the hole, every one of us. We pulled the plug.
I've toyed with the idea of a version 3, revamped to modern ASIC-proof algos and such (I was researching them back in 2013, actually, but only had test networks functioning). Maybe, if another dev or more wanted to talk, I'd be open. ZED was an experience I am proud of, and yet have a pit in my stomach the way it was left, at the same time.
Best,
Kilo