It would not surprise me if that were true in terms of the perception that witnesses have. Were I a witness I would feel wary of offending them in some way.

They have huge influence over the community - I'm not saying they would misuse it but it is something that one must consider. I'm sure they only have good intentions but even the best people can be corrupted by power.

Even putting that possibility aside if they were to express a dislike for someone then I very much doubt they would be able to continue as a witness due to the community almost blindly supporting their opinions.

Just look at all the false hurrahs all those anarchist posts get - I doubt there are that many actual anarchists on Steemit or anywhere for that matter.

For any witness it is a lot of money and power on the platform to lose if you get voted out - that is a strong incentive to toe the line. It is simply human nature.

I discussed this in one of my early posts about whales being like nobility on Steemit.

If regular whales are nobility then Ned and Dan are like the Royal Family in feudal times. They have the power of virtual life or death over people.

Makes sense they (be they witnesses, other whales or just minnows) would not want to disobey their wishes or appear to disrespect them in any way.

I know a few brave souls have done this e.g. @berniesanders - even though I disagreed with his reasons at the time I have to give him respect for having the balls to do it.

I always respect people who put conscience above fear (even if I don't always agree with a particular argument).

Sadly those kind of people are rare nowadays and rarer still on Steemit.