As a guy who left for a fed that has rules more akin to what Theo and crew have implemented take this with a grain of salt. But I am both completely understanding of why this was done and completely  disappointed that it had to be done. 

I always saw XWF as being something different from the rest of the field, and one of those differences was how the dynamic trash talk process had not become a thing of the past.  I feel strongly that to preserve the flavor of XWF as a fed there has to be some kind of option that allows for back and forth. Something both players would have to opt in to that would create a big game match vibe. 

I know Theo said he wasn't crazy about allowing for such diversity, but speaking as but one voice these new changes reduce the chances of me ever wanting to come back. I went to the other Feds when my gas was getting low and I needed the lower counts. But I came home when I was ready to roll.

I hope at the very least this does bring some more players back to the fore. But damn this ADHD I have to be in 12 goddamn Feds mentality that forced this change.