Actually Groundspeak is not blocking the live map. Groundspeak had to make a change to the maps because of the ridiculous prices they would have to pay Google. Since c:geo decides to thumb it's nose at the Groundspeak terms of use and decided to scrape the map tiles from Groundspeak they can not now scrape what isn't there. Since the app is in violation of the terms of use for Groundspeak, discussions on this app are not widely encouraged. You should try the official app, many changes have been made and the folks I know are quite happy with it. Of course it is not free an broken, so you might not like that aspect. I suggest you go to the c:geo website to get the answers to your questions.
okay then i have a bit more answers.. insted of non source explanations/guesses..
what the violation of the terms of use for Groundspeak i cant find (i'm just curious)..
But as yo wrote: taken away a funktion in the code (can not now scrape what isn't there)..
is the same as that the Groundspeak in a way is blocking c:geo funktions...
one of my geocache friend have the new official app and he's not happy with it..
as he say you cant miss something that you have't used..
so in a way loth of people are happy with it.. not thous hwo have used other..
but any way... Thanks for the answer.
now at least i know a bit more..
of something that seems to been quieted cos of no one seems spooken of it (at least i did not find it through lot of searches)..