[notify]richard.schreier[/notify]
One problem is that CIRA doesn't release domains that no longer have a current and real reason for being restricted. I know of many that have no geographic restrictions, and with no provincial extensions registered, but were still "reserved" for no apparent reason. I've asked multiple times over the years and answers from CIRA were always a very vague response that "we periodically release domains" that no longer should be reserved - but I've never seen that actually happen.
My theory is that maybe CIRA finally decided to actually release the domains that should be released - but screwed up and released everything accidentally.
As for the registrants that were able to register these domains, hopefully they are understanding that mistakes happen and will have no problem with the domains legitimately reserved are being taken back.
On the flip side, I hope CIRA takes back the domains that have a legit reason to be reserved, but lets them keep the domains that have no legit reason to be reserved.
I also hope that CIRA carefully reviews each domain before taking them back - and fully informs the registrant as to what technical glitch happened, and specifically what the reason that particular domain is reserved for.
I trust that CIRA will be fair about it. I also hope that CIRA creates, publishes and sticks to an actual policy about releasing domains that no longer need to be reserved.
Full disclosure, I may have registered one or more of these domains myself. But when you see a great domain is freely registerable, you just do it.