user96383: If someone forked the code without changing any of the fundamental properties and connected nodes / miners, could they not disrupt the main (original chain)? 

user93595: Yes, this is currently happening.  There are many different implementations of the Bitcoin protocol.  You can see here the a graph of how many people are currently using different implementations.

96383: <p>If someone forked the code without changing any of the fundamental properties and connected nodes / miners, could they not disrupt the main (original chain)? </p>
 93595: <p>Yes, this is currently happening.  There are many different implementations of the Bitcoin protocol.  You can see <a href="https://coin.dance/nodes/share" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a> the a graph of how many people are currently using different implementations.</p>
