Finally a civil discussion, please allow me to respond in kind.
1st. Whales and founders powering down is a good thing as it helps to correct the drastic imbalances in STEEM power. Minnows powering down on the other hand cannot be viewed in the same light... especially if they expect to have a say over how the rewards system is utilized, since it is a vest dominated process. Simply put, if you diminish your own STEEM power you extinguish your own voice.
2nd. "honest criticism or concern" is generally framed better.
If the responses "just don't sit well "... the parties cannot continue to claim that no responses were given.
You operate in a guild yourself you know how things work.
The whales that provide the power determine the parameters under which the guild operates... its their power and their rules. Please see my posts linked below.
3rd. I can't say much on chats, in my experience they often exude the odor of a cesspool and differences escalate quickly.
I put up two posts hoping for open and honest discussion. I don't know if you saw them?
https://steemit.com/stats/@gavvet/draining-the-rewards-pool-the-numbers
https://steemit.com/stats/@gavvet/draining-the-rewards-pool-part-2-some-clarification