- How did you obtain the Bytecoin distributables back then?
If memory serves, Tor4chan. That is the one I was on the most talking on a Bitcoin thread. Though there were others (BTC that is not Bytecoin in my experience)
- Was there open-source code available on the darknet, or precompiled binaries?
I got my binaries from an onion link on the thread. There was some discussion about a new coin and my interest was piqued due to the new code (not BTC) and anonymity. They were 32bit linux binaries. I honestly can't remember if there was source available.
- Where did you find the code/binaries, and do you still have any of those early copies kicking about anywhere?
Sure. They are on my old tails stick. As mentioned a few of us downloaded the binaries on the link and discussed Bytecoin in the BTC thread. The instructions were in the same post as the link.
- Were there any darknet forums or sites where like-minded individuals could discuss and/or trade bytecoin, and if so where?
Trading didn't cross my mind and, as far as I know, wasn't discussed on the thread. I didn't look for any other forums - I am certain this took place on one thread only and in one forum, for me. I cannot comment on the possibility that this was the one and only thread or discussion at the time! That would explain some of the ire on this forum!
- Was it just solo mining or was there any pool mining available?
The only mining I ever did (or heard of) was through the wallet > daemon. It was described on the post with the link.
- When viewkeys are implemented, would you be willing to share the viewkey of the address you were mining to back in late 2012? To validate your claims.
I don't know what that is but I don't see why not - I am guessing if I move my coins afterwards they then anonymised again?
I'm genuinely interested in your answers here!
thank you for keeping it civil!