With all due respect to Scawen, it's a bit rich being critical of a community that is now largely skeptical given it's has been told one thing and then another over several years. Describing it as minor is a understatement. There has never been any real answers to the bulk of question surrounding content freeze. Just the same short answers from years ago.
Regardless of Eric's dislike of the forum community, his participation is necessary to restore credibility and trust, even if in a joint statement. If they want the community's trust and belief (other than a few diehard stalwarts) it has to be earnt and words alone aren't going to cut it after 5 years.