Is it still the case that if you follow someone and they DM you but if they're not following you, you cannot send a DM back? Seems like it should always be the case where if someone initiates a DM with you, you can respond even if they're not following you since they've implicitly granted permission for the communication by reaching out first.
Well that's the wrong way around. Verified people should be able to DM anyone, and they should have the option for DMs to either be from followees, and verified, but not everyone.
Awful site, the signup/login covers half the story without a x button.
Ah no, not quite. Verified accounts usually have many more followers than people they're following. People such as a celebrity don't have time to sit there and follow every single one of their fans. A verified account can pretty much DM anyone they want to because the person they want to DM is more than likely already following them. There are times when your average Joe just wants to send a private message to someone but can't because that public figure is not following them back.
Then the celebs will be unhappy. A ploy by Twitter now that the celebs are logged in.. just as Google+ launches. Google should buy some celebrities favour.
Why would they be unhappy? Did you read the article? It's an option for the verified account holder.