yes, and my point unless the market allows for competition to .com, then we've effectively given control of the namespace to one or two organizations - namely V

yes, and my point unless the market allows for competition to .com, then we've effectively given control of the namespace to one or two organizations - namely Verisign and ICANN. I don't understand your point about competition creating a monopoly unless you are referring to ICANN"s "powers". It is an artifact of the community. Show up and participate in the monopoly if you are concerned about how it wields its influence and directs its policy.