Hi Sidney,
There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation regarding this issue. I have been involved in such processes locally and across the border and most often this is the outcome of domain auction processes especially where premium domains are concerned. As is the case in the domain name industry, software is used to conduct auctions once the necessary policies have been put in place. Auctions such as these ellicit global interest including mischievous characters who are a handfull to deal with from a policy and technical perspective. Even the most advanced and technically equipped companies around the world are caught flatfooted from time to time.
I would suggest that we debate the issue based on facts and not insinuations. Let us also be wary of sour grapes.