The pubcos have been a huge driver (and negative influence on Bitcoin and mining).  They are leaving/shrinking.  A lot pivots from this including the Foundry/Antpool domination.

the trend towards miner centralization does seem worrisome. what gives you hope on this front?

barbarian

Individual mining is good but it takes a lot of people collectively to make a difference.  And, they must really mine - not point to an FPPS pool.  That said, don't feed the mouths of the big pubcos and rally against them or at least force them socially to do the right thing.