Simple Logic... look at the largest tribes on here, they are not mainstream groups; they obviously express an affinity for alternative tastes. They are the demographic from which original art and ideas come. Why would they want this latest layout design that screams "I am a sheep, waiting to have the machine do my thinking for me!" ?
The actions recently of this company indicate to me that no concern is being given to the large clientelle that has found this site (up to now) to call "home". The majority of the users here likely chose this site because it invited (at the time) their uniqueness, and provided a place to not be a part of the mediocrity that is otherwise smothering them in the daily bombardment by corporate marketing. If the current infection isn't healed, these people will find a new home. It is the way things work.
The story being played out here is nothing more than gentrification on the internet... an "e" version of downtown Asheville (just one of many cool places ruined in the same fashion).
For those not familiar, here's the plot... pick a place, any place, and notice it has an opening for original thought and an outlet for expression by creative individuals. Thusly, these individuals move in, creating groups, families, soulful businesses, and a rich culture. Growth occurs, and the place becomes fun, novel and inspiring. This attracts outsiders to come "get a taste", or worse, to try to own a bit of the action. This second influx is a group, not with original ideas or even having talent, but just wanting to be "hip" or to capture part of the energy that has made the said place now a hot item. These people are little more than social vampires. The property owners (town real estate moguls, website owners, etc.) now recognize the increased value of their property. They did not create this jewel, they just owned the place where it was formed. Caring more about their wallets than about the people that enriched their world, these owners choose to sell out to mainstream corporate entities, effectually chasing of the real wealth - the artists and thinkers.
That brings us to the current crux... and one of two things will happen from here. Either the property owners recognize the erronious thinking that will cause them to lose the "real" wealth and makes amends, or the beautiful people move along to find a new place to attempt once more to create their utopia.
The jewel makers might be inconvenienced for a bit, but because of their nature, they will never cease beautifying where they reside.
We do our own thinking, so we don't need to buy the ideas of imbeciles. And we will not tolerate censorship!
So, what's it gonna be, Tribe?