These are in no way a "protest". Once a site shuts down, that's it, there is no message / discussion / fight, and it just blends into the background radiation a

These are in no way a "protest". Once a site shuts down, that's it, there is no message / discussion / fight, and it just blends into the background radiation a day later. Continuing the site would benefit the "protest" infinitely more. And the operators probably know this on some level. And that's the real story here - These sites are shutting down because 1) it was unprofitable, 2) it was a time-sink, and 3) now there is an excuse to get out and move on with their lives and businesses. *I'm not blaming them - and I'm not saying it's anything above the subconscious level. I'd probably do the same.