Perhaps VMWare could find an internal product owner for vert.x. From there they could meet with Tim Fox and discuss the roles he will be allowed to occupy within the community while, understandably, protecting their interests. I'd imagine this would be some level of admin level role while funneling most important items through the new product owner.

If VMWare had gone this route and then made an announcement while introducing this new product owner/internal advocate with Tim Fox at their side I think it would have gone a long way to smooth the transition.

As it stands my first reaction is...'Uh oh, better fork it'.