Well, no. They can release the reference client, but most users rarely employ it for transfers (most Bitcoins are either in cold storage, or in online wallets l

Well, no. They can release the reference client, but most users rarely employ it for transfers (most Bitcoins are either in cold storage, or in online wallets like Coinbase). Anyway, after the hardfork, you'll get your balance in duplicated both chains (as all transactions before the hardfork are visible). The market forces will decide then how much each part costs.