While nobody planned to run this code (as far as I know), it was still interpreted by @ned as a real threat.
This is true. It is also incomplete. If a witness hypothetically said they were neutral about running this code or not, that is a threat ... hypothetically.
Hypothetically, yes. But I understand what you mean with it and I agree - it's not a direct rejection being neutral about it. That's why I can understand that it created a threat situation.
Good point. In which case, it's nice to see these statements coming out from witnesses, to put the public at ease, and hopefully Steemit Inc, as well.
Yep, people aren't saying this enough.