I don't know Dustin but I know about him only by reading his posts. Given that, I have no reason to believe that he is elitist.

"Invitation only" model sometime works and kudos for him for trying that. This was just a way how to make something different in very very crowded space. It did not work, so he is trying "plan B".

What is wrong with that? He is just trying to make something and we are here putting him down? Why not some encouragements?