1. I think Core has started to drift from the original intent of Bitcoin which is a system for the transfer and storage of value. The way I see it is that Core is trying to modify the code to allow all kinds of data into the blockchain which does not necessarily have anything to do with the original intent. This opens up the possibility of random clutter to be introduced into the blocks which then may impede legitimate transactions from being processed. This could not only severely slow down value transfer but it could also allow seriously harmful Spam to be permanently inserted into the blocks which will then be there forever. Can you imagine child porn etc. in the blockchain forever in everyone’s computer?

2. Knots is the alternative that seems to honour Satoshi’s original intent for the protocol. Since the Spam Wars started, Knots’ adoption has jumped from approx. 2% of the network to 17%. So people are voicing their displeasure. Two more things… One: Not everyone might upgrade to the next version of core which is one way to resist the changes and Two: It seems like Core may have been infiltrated by intruders who want to corrupt Bitcoin from the inside…