Its a good point. The pressure on open source devs for far less popular or important projects is often to much for those devs. If you think about your code affecting the monetary security of so many people I can see it being something few would desire. That said, this is why a project has to have thorough code review processes (which bitcoin has) and a community providing support for core development. I think we need to admit we are in uncharted waters here. I can't think of another software project like bitcoin in existence.

100%. Consider that one well-funded narcissist / douchebag drove out tons of talent from public involvement w/ core. Like, the guy is a demonstrable liar, repeatedly, that literally nobody takes seriously, but he's been able to co-opt the legal system and cause non-trivial amounts of damage to the ecosystem.

Now imagine an actually capable group with billions at stake with its thumb on the scale. Jesus, I shudder. Btc development has been a tea party and I think its care-free days are numbered.