It is possible that MIT/Bitcoin Core Team will, "Blink" and not release BIP148. I don't see how backing down is in their interest, unless they are fearful of becoming irrelevant after a Hard Fork.

It is also possible that the Chinese Miners will "Blink" and not hard fork, as they have threatened. They have the most to lose though. I guess the question really is, hard fork now or later. The alternative is to experience more control and regulation by government and their surrogates. No one wants to be a slave (mostly).

The Central Banks want a cashless society so they can control, track and leverage all wealth for their benefit. Cryptocurrencies give free people a real way to opt out of their corrupt system, that we simply didn't have before.

Time will tell, we can only wait and see.

If you have Bitcoin and intend to hold it after August 1st, you need to get it off the Exchanges and into a software or better, a hard wallet that you control. If you leave it on an exchange, you risk losing half or all of your coins.

Here is a link to my Hardware Wallet article. If you own any cryptocurrency, you need to read this:

https://steemit.com/bitcoin/@clearshado/hardware-wallet-or-lose-it-all

Also, there is a great probability that many exchanges will crash, suspend trading or simply go dark, until the Bitcoin dust settles. This means no cashing out, your money will be trapped. Coinbase is the worst and simply goes dark during periods of high volume trading. Imagine what will happen in a crash or a free-fall???

Personally, I would rather hold 100% Fiat Currency around August 1st and only re-enter crypto market, after we know what's happened. If Bitcoin and the others drops or free falls in value, then take your Fiat and buy back in at a lower price point.

Alternatively, everyone could "kiss and make-up" and the prices could rise substantially and you would find yourself with fist full of cash, that buys less coins than you had.

Crystal Balls are in short supply. Good Luck, We All need it.