I'm not sure if we have applicable or adequate proof that they're "controlled" opposition, well, at all, at least at this juncture. I mean, I believe in conspiracies, but I ain't "conspiracist." I believe in conspiracies, not "conspiracism." I don't believe the world hinges on them. I believe in the bourgeois ruling-class, not the "deep state." I believe that corporations are capable of conspiratorial action, but not willy-nilly. A lot of what they do is out in the open, just coated with a glossy veneer.

You make other valid points, though, and it does seem that if Firefox alienates core users, they will just be more "inspired" to cozy up to certain actors that are bad-faith. Even so, I'd like to have more hardcore proof beyond just circumstantial stuff. What are they thinking and planning? The Terms of Use may point to a direction that they'll take, but only may.

Still, better to be safe than sorry, and so I will consider switching to a Firefox fork instead.