In an interview with Dan I once seen on YouTube, he mentioned that an anonymous third party put up the funding for development of either steem or steemit (I don't recall which one).

My guess, is that the at @freedom account is held by this same entity.

One would think that, if this is accurate, the choice of username would speak to the financer's good intentions in regards to the conception of Steemit.

However, in this world, things are often the exact opposite of what they claim to be, so I am forced to remain skeptical about Steemit's intended function in society until I know more.

I'm still enjoying the fact that there are so many like-minded people in the same place that I can support and converse with... But, perhaps all of those who are a bit more awakened congregating in the same place isn't so wise...

Good investigation. I'd love to know if you ever find out what's going on there..