It's refreshing to see this topic discussed without the vitriol that's being posted on Affinity-focussed forums/Facebook pages.
There are too many people sat at their keyboards thinking that by shouting their views they can turn things to their way of thinking.
Too many people of the "glass half empty" vision.
They've forgotten, ignored or didn't know that Serif was acquired by a US company one before (1996?) and subsequently re-acquired by the Serif management team.
Do many people hell bent on suggesting the words of the pledges are "code" - these people sound like conspiracy=theorists - such a shame.

Personally, I think and hope that good things are coming. The fact that those 4 pledges have been made is positive. Do you recall similar pledges being made in other acquisitions? It's a bold move, because if those pledges aren't honoured the hotheads will have a field day, and I don't think Canva or Affinity want that.

So, let's wait and see how things develop.