Not sure you really think it is valid or understandable, DTIMAL, as I see your game is back in the top 10 Latest physical games again as I am type this.
That's fair and I'm sorry. I understand why it looks contradictory. After posting my reply, I reported the behavior privately to Itch because I think they should determine whether it's intended or not.
In the previous message I basically said I will try to avoid relying on it but will occasionally use it as I said "not so frequently" and as a small struggling Creator I need all the visibility I can get.
However with the backlash from you with accusations and antagonistic intent and potentially consumers and many other developers I will stop.
If they determine it's unintended therefore wrong to keep doing, I'll respect whatever decision they make and won't do it for other games I will create or develop in the future.
Until then, I'd prefer to let the Itch team investigate and make the final determination.
I appreciate you and others bringing up the concern. I understand why it raised questions, and I hope the team can clarify whether this behavior is intended or not.
-DTIMAL