How absolutely ridiculous. The only time I've ever compromised my Britishness on Medium was when The Writing Cooperative used to insist on American spelling rather than English (it felt like committing high treason and every American spelling pained me). I did that for a short time, simply because I was new on Medium and trying to gain followers. But then I asked Justin if he could please ditch that rule, and to my delight, he agreed.

These days, I'd give very short shrift to a publication making lunatic demands of that kind. I think you're better off without them, no question. :)