I am not inclined to read this longwinded post. Anyone who writes a headline like this is not worthy of it's subject, and the popular comments would tend to agree.
I'm sure the author is well intentioned and filled with integrity, however trashing a thing you created because you feel dejected is inherently self-interested and unworthy of attention.
how would you know the author trashed something if you didn't read the article? Maybe if we made a tik-tok for you, it would be easier to understand?
The author encourages people to contribute data and even donate to iNaturalist.
Your wrong assumption has made you look like a reactionary ass.