It can certainly represent a conflict of interest. But it's no problem, I've long realized Bitcoin won't change anything fundamentally. Even in a success scenario, the block chain would be limited with extraorbitant fees for transactions, making it only possible for crypto fat cats to make use of Bitcoin's actual properties. The plebs would again be exposed to centralization and "banks", necessarily. Trust is not removed, only shifted.
A conflict of interest? So, do you think it's better for the devs to be employed by non-bitcoin companies, as most of them are? It looks to me as that's more of a conflict of interest than helping improve Bitcoin at a Bitcoin company.
If Bitpay would start making unreasonable demands he can always quit, it's not like kernel developers have problems finding a job.
Hey, even though the devs do have the greater good in mind, they have to eat and feed their families and pets.
Many people in this community are screaming a lot, but not paying anything for bitcoin development or support. Did you expect a virtual currency to bring a whole new world of altruism?
Wait, Jeff needs a job? Isn't his Avalon enough to allow him to retire?
Retiring is boring
It's not that he was forced to do this, I suppose he just wants to be more active with Bitcoin development and found someone that's willing to pay for it and invest in the infrastructure in this way. That's great news for Bitcoin
