Just to see this idea out there.
Obviously there's a tension here between the view that the dailykos community is its own creature, and the view that it's kos' blog and he can steer it or whatever.
I'm of the view that it's kos' blog.
But, there's always this path available:
A few core members start a nonprofit and form a board. They make a new website with scoop. And then instead of having a driving personality behind it (kos, booman, maryscott), it actually becomes legitimately community owned. Transparent financial statements about the monthly costs. Transparent income statements about advertising income and membership donations. Extra money gets donated to community-chosen political places. Board members are elected. Front page posters are elected and term-limited.
It's all possible. It would probably be pretty thrilling.