I have pointed the finger [hasbrouck.org] for the "secret deal" on ".travel" not at the ICANN Board (at least not primarily at the Board, and not at Karl Auerbach or any specific Board member) but at ICANN staff, specifically Louis Touton.

I don't know enough about the personalities on ICANN's staff -- not having had the money to attend any of the ICANN meetings, except for one committee meeting in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live, and ".travel" typically having been placed on the agenda only at the last minute, when it would be even more costly and difficult to attend -- to know who on the staff, and who if anyone on the Board, might be one(s) so committed to following through on Touton's (and qwhomever else's) promise.

I would welcome any insights on this from people more in the know about the staff and Board.