Basically, they were seeking monetary compensation for the sale of damaging evidence against the U.S. government. Steemit (and other front ends) are smart not to allow such actions on their front ends as they could find themselves in a legal mess that would ruin them. Guessing not only because facilitating the sale of such information is probably illegal itself, but given the governments penchant to punish (the list is long but the more famous at the moment is Julian Assange), in the best interests of not only themselves but the chain itself, they chose not to be this groups auction house.

Steemit is not Steem, it is a private company that can be held liable. Where the real damage could occur, is despite this separation they maintain wallets and such. In not only their best interests, but the interests of all stake holders they chose not to allow their private company to be used in such a manner.

Steem = Censorship resistant.

Steemit (and other privately owned front ends) = Not censorship resistant.