Mods made a poll to ask whether to extend the blackout or re-open. After accusations of brigading, mods created a second, more secure poll. The option to extend the blackout wins by a 18% margin. However, the top mod changes his mind, unilaterally decides that the sub should open, and threatens the rest of the mods with contacting the admins to reopen and depose them if they follow through the results of the vote.
Translation: top mod sees their opportunity to be a dictator and takes it.
In a way, you could say it was a blunder by the king.
Just stand up, flip the board over and walk away
An interesting gambit.