[srmarm]

They could have backed down and allowed WPEngine to publish an update or even published it on their behalf. Instead they've doubled down and taken this ridiculous action that undermines the whole wp/plugin eco system.

None of this is necessary.

[pluc]

This was engineered and deliberate, they were never gonna let WPEngine have their space back. We called this a week ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41751856