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Good luck Andreas, and glad you are considering this project. In my last conversations with Jesse I understood the code was very complex and difficult to share with anyone, and that it would be extremely difficult to go beyond the current version. But it seems you like to take on the challenge. Happy to beta test like I did since the beginning

That is the fact I'm afraid. Releasing source takes no great effort, that's what an ethical person would do.  Mandelbulber has full source.   Looks like that's what everyone will be using soon.
It really is that simple.

Actually, an ethical person would respect the wishes of other people.  Especially with regards to things said other people created.

As for MB3D's future if no updates ever happen - it will still get lots of use!  The useability of any program has far less to do with the time since it's last update and far more to do with it user interface.

I still use very old programs that have not been updated in many years because I like them and something about the interface "clicked" with me and I can work fluently with them.  I'm sure MB3D will last a very long time even if no more development happens because it's interface works perfectly with my way of thinking.  I have not had as much luck wrapping my head around Mandelbulber's interface so I don't use it  (though I still intend to give it another try someday, that has nothing to do with whether the source code was released).

It really is that simple.
 
If you just want the source code for yourself, just say so rather than pretend you have some sort of moral high ground because you like open source.

And good luck Andreas!  I hope you manage to make progress with this project.

Without arguing, I never said I'd use a program forever, but I did say for years to come.

I still use and love Mutatorkammer - and it never got out of beta and doesn't run properly except on Windows XP.  Yet it is among my most used programs to this day!

And I know I am not alone in being put off by Mandelbulber's interface.  In my case to the point of not even having tried 2.X yet  (but I did download it!).

The point is that there is nothing unethical about not releasing the code.  Especially since all we know is that the reasons are personal.

Now, given that the reasons are personal - that implies there is an emotional component to the reasons.  If so, expecting logic to apply is folly.  Logic and Emotions are incompatible much of the time.

Sorry, but I still see your statements as a veiled way of saying "But I want it!  Gimme!!"

Please try to understand that there are reasons we have been told we will never know.  That HAS to be good enough, if only because it is all you will ever get.

Rightly said DarkBeam.

Thank you Andreas for taking the initiative.