I should imagine you are bright enough to have understood I was saying that if this had not been offered, if everyone had to start from zero again, not many would have come. So, yes, it was a marketing exercise, so as to ensure the success of this platform.
As for keeping us under 'their thumb', I obviously was not alluding to you, since I have never even seen your name (nik) before. I was speaking of certain of the strong posters who flagged because they did not agree with my political views - and I am sorry, but I am too cynical to believe they will suddenly become 'nice' people.
As for me being free to leave any time I want - isn't it also the same for you and everyone else? But then...the same is true for everyone at Steemit - so does that prove those in control there are nice people and so we should have stayed?
I was being sarcastic but it is obvious any kind of criticism upsets you and so you react...as you did, telling me I am free to leave. Why, thank you kind sir, so generous of you. If and when I feel like it, I will, with or without your permission.