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What I did hear though is no reasonable explanation for it not being locked.
Actually, there is a reasonable explanation, or, at least, I found it reasonable, if not entirely likable. Basically, the entire roadmap got tossed like a cheap salad when CN coins started getting attacked back in Feb/Mar. The solution was to expedite the shift to Atlantis but that screwed up marketing, more exchanges, etc. Then there was the announcement and arrival of CN ASICs and we know what happened there. The premine is supposed to be used to pay for marketing, exchange listing fees, setting up the business (aka foundation) and, yes, paying staff (remember, no ICO) but once the amounts and block heights are locked there's no going back without a hard fork.
CaptDero says the premine will be locked again soon and one can either take him at his word or not. I chose to take him at his word.