No one intends it.
but the kingdoms that have been built don't look very decentralised or benign to me.
Yep. there are still rules of the game even if not expressly written into the code. 'Code is law' gets invoked as a protection of other social norms that benefit a few.
I like to think it is something I am in control of 8-).
we all do... until it happens :P
I don't see myself ever really snapping fully though but I do think that the tendency these days is much higher as for the most part, I believe we have a lot less self-control and reflection than in earlier days. Combine that with entitlement and instant gratification values and it becomes a fireworks factory waiting for a match to be struck.