It was a "consensus algorithm" in name only-- any conflict in consensus was "solved" by a central or semi-central control structure. It was also "pre-mined" in that all the ripples already existed and had been magically bestowed upon a few anointed individuals.

In addition to these shortfalls at an architectural level, the folks who seemed to be both in control of the centralized authority and sitting on top of all the premined ripples had well documented histories of shady behavior.

Actually, proof is in time, consistency and consensus.