I agree,

It is a very difficult topic.

I expect for now all witnesses ( maybe 90%) can be doxed by exchange with real names ( because of KYC). If big brother asks, they will answer IMO.

And if the first should get heavy problems, it becomes not super likely the next wave of people step instant in. Maybe some, but that's not cool for a web3 experience.

That's in theory a problem if hive has a lot of success and gets targeted. It could also be retarded argued it is security because those people run the chain. Not true but enough to add some pressure.

to change this, anon memes by default. Not perfect but most likely exchanges accept the default. Solves not the core problem, but particular.

Voting is really really difficult because of reputation and trust.

Maybe a witness becomes only the executing part. Like the witness, server does not receive the votes in the first place.

Votes go to the witness (proxy) and the witness can vote the server (witness).

Why? because it could adapt fast. But it's not a perfect solution for other security reasons.

Another idea could be a DAO witness server. Ran by elected people ( for the tech side with multi-sig). Doesn't need to be top 20. But would be an uncensorable backup. With 10 of them, it could work with shared access to some elected community people.

Then it becomes IMO more difficult because another layer is there that's more robust about pressure against singles.

Also not perfect, but the best thing I could imagine that could work in real.

I don't think hive would face anytime soon those problems, but it is most likely too late to react.

It's all theory and we will only see what happens if "the mad man" actions has for consequences.

Because ETH will most likely get the first hit and then Hive can adapt.