If this was really something bad, witnesses should have taken these measures long time ago. Inaction has legitimized the stakes long tine ago. Ned himself said they Steemit Inc do not owe anybody anything. Witnesses didn’t do anything then either. So justifying these measures with claims of “ninja-mine” are not reasonable. These stakes are fully paid for.
I expect a fight back to protect their investment. Hopefully mutually beneficial resolution will be reached.
I share the concerns of potential hostile take over, but I don’t think keeping funds hostage is a good way to achieve any fruitful results.