I applaud your speaking out. I wish it didn't have to be at the cost of losing a number of places in the witness queue, but I suppose we all at some point must go with our heart and do what we feel is best. Including those who decided that they're votes were better used elsewhere.
I appreciate seeing in words the thoughts I've had in my head. It's good to have someone else writing them, especially someone who is a witness and may have something to lose. I think, however, in the end, you will see that things will loop back around. There is plenty of community building going on. It just takes time, and so the setbacks of now become the victories of tomorrow because things change. All kinds of factors will come into play. I wish I knew when and how. In the meantime, I believe they will.
Thanks ;)