Just because it’s open doesn’t mean anyone can do it, but if it goes badly then a group of others could fork and rebuild.

True, but I think it’s pretty clear what they’re trying to actually do; to keep control of the account and use it.

But you own the goodwill and trademarks associated with what’s on the left of it.

Similarly, when people sell a business they sell the clients. It stands to reason that the followers can be like clients and should be transferred in the same way as in normal business sales.