Since I am one of the parties closely involved in this, please allow me to chip in.
We all know that the price of ZEC has greatly dropped over the years. It is but a fraction of what it used to be. This clearly puts a lot of pressure on the entities that depend on the devfund. Therefore I understand the position of the ECC and the ZF. If they didn’t have the resources to promote Ywallet a year ago, then for sure they don’t have the resources to maintain the Ledger integration now.
However, isn’t it what the Major Grants are designed to do? Take on major projects that neither the ECC nor the ZF would? If so, then what is happening? Why can’t they be the contact point for Ledger?
In my opinion, there is an issue with the corporate setup.
The ZCG receive more funding from the community than the ECC or the ZF, but it does not have the ability to enter legal contracts. Hence, it does not only rely on the ZF for administration support but the ZF practically has veto.
I think it is paramount that the ZCG, or any future organization in charge of independent projects, becomes a legal entity with the reputation to represent Zcash holders.
Unfortunately, I feel that the current situation is greatly detrimental to the decentralization of Zcash. It is yet another example of the gatekeeping that prevents third-party developers from contributing. Obviously, I am disappointed.
Even more so because I believe that Zcash faces difficult times, but instead of working together, it appears we are working against each other.
In my opinion, the setup of the devfund and the corporate structure of the devfund recipients are partly responsible. I think we should keep this project in mind when we vote on this.
On a positive note, if all that Ledger needs is a legal entity to work with, I am currently in discussion to have a company submit the app on my behalf. Even though, on paper, it would have no track record, it would have the advantage of having expertise on the subject matter. The ZCG/ZF/ECC could just vouch for it informally.
Also, it could be time to pursue the Trezor integration. Having a direct competitor implement shielded transactions could be the commercial incentive we need. I haven’t looked at their implementation but it may be possible to integrate it in Ywallet too.