The UI is getting overhauled right now - Bitshares has a reserve fund with tens of millions of dollars in it and it is being used for upgrades as we speak. What you experienced was the power of smart coins like bitUSD and bitCNY. They track USD and CNY faithfully but, unlike USDT, are backed directly and transparently by 200% worth of BTS collateral. USDT claims to be backed by USD in some bank account no one has ever seen.
Bitshares also allows you to short assets using your BTS as collateral. Think BTS is going to skyrocket? Short USD or CNY and profit. Think BTS is going to dump? Short BTS and profit.
Bitshares is a trader's dream come true. No government, no hackers, no crooks, cheap trades, secure wallet and exchange all in one. I've been using Bitshares for three years and love it!
Thanks for the input. I sensed this was coming, but its good to hear it is moving forward.
Any idea when the snapshot will take place for the REAL hard fork?