If they come forward they know the entire system and could begin making changes to the kernel with surgical precision.
The code is so different to how Satoshi left it. Sure he would know a lot about it but not really enough to give himself an intellectual advantage over the system.
However his popularity and the authority he would command could be dangerous, especially if he rallied against Bitcoin. A lot of people would stay, but some might lose confidence.
The big danger is the amount of Bitcoins he holds, anywhere from 500,000 to 3,000,000. If he wanted he could carry out any type of market manipulation. You might see this as a non-issue, and I agree Satoshi is probably not going to destroy us, but he would then be the target for many Governments.
If Bitcoin rises to a trillion dollar economy, Satoshis stash will make him the richest person in the world. That is true absolute power, you can raise an army with that much "gold", look back at history. All the powers of today will want that gold and Satoshi will be at risk for his life and we will be at risk some power getting those coins and ruling the world.
What if Satoshi is just a regular guy, an autodidact? who learned everything on their own and has no accreditation?
If this is the case I will be really happy!
What if satoshi rallied the millions of Bitcoin users, considering we comprise the top 1% in intelligence in the planet it could change the world... they could act like a General organizing the Bitcoin collective into a cohesive group... forming the largest corporation on earth.
No need to rally us. I am sure we will all eventually help shape a bright Bitcoin future that changes the world. Hopefully we do not need to be in the top 1% of intelligence though, as I will be left out!
They are falable human beings; Character assassination would be innevitable, the vision in everyones mind of Bitcoin would fade, only satoshi's vision would prevail.
This will be sad, but its probably something that would happen. If Satoshi becomes known his image will be attacked if he turns out to be some smart lone hacker.
What if they are a she?
What if it is the NSA?
If they are the NSA, lets hope the crypto used is not compromised. If not then I don't see how they hope to hold back the monster they have created.
If Satoshi is a woman? That would be very awesome and would get a lot more girls into math and computer science. The sausage fest must end!