In short, I don't think the Steem community have been decentralized until now from its's start.
Old witnesses urged that the decentralization was destroyed by Justin Sun, but before Justin Sun, the Steem community was decentralized ?
Old witnesses were just one powerful group IMO.
Now with the appearance of Justin Sun, the Steem community seemed to be more decentralized.
In the current situation, the problem we face at is the confrontation between the old witnesses and Justin Sun.
So, IMO, third party needed for negotiating both parties.
The more witnesses groups are, the safer the Steem Community will be.
I hope the exchange take part in the witness group, and the witnesses in wide global area must be included in.
I wish this not wise stalemate be ended ASAP.
We have lots of things to do for further development.