I did read a lot of witness statements. Because I did find it a bold and strange decision. Just like you I have no idea which is right or wrong in this case.
Justin could use it to show his true intentions but also can see it as an act of war!
I don’t know about how the witnesses did earn their stake. Some of them was also probably as early adapter or witness. Their stake is consider to be fair and square. And they have promised to protect the steem blockchain, read for some of them their piece of the cake. That how one could interpret it.
!ENGAGE 15