Encrypted Flarmnet files and 3rd party software

I think this merits its own thread. Due to legal concerns, Flarmnet has encrypted their files, and as I understand it most displays including the Butterfly will no longer show pilot or glider information. This is separate from the opt in/out of tracking as I understand it.

I liked the ability to see who was flying the glider I was about to run into, or at least was opposite me in the circle. Also whether they were worth leeching off of. Of course you can still do that, but will need to associate the Flarm ID with the pilot in your head, since that will be all that is displayed.

This seems like a step backwards for those who's paranoia has not gotten the better of them. I'm not sure what he solution is, but at least one near term one would be to encourage everyone to re-register on a 3rd part sight, and recreate the old style Flarmnet database which would continue to be usable in existing PDA and (perhaps) display head firmware. Anyone concerned about being tracked would not need to register.

Does anyone else see this as a step forward? Is my understanding of this incorrect?