Hi Terry,
I agree. I think Francis realized that Holy Poverty in a group that supported one another, but chose to live simply the Gospel, did set one free. He and the brothers realized that those struggling to live on the edge of collapse in the rich city of Assisi, could not hope for Holy Poverty as they were trapped in material poverty and misery. He did not wish them to live in that manner and he and the brothers reminded Assisi, that as Christians they had an obligation to the poor. I think Francis realized that the more people that chose Holy Poverty would allow Assisi to support the marginalized and in turn more people could turn towards the freedom that a Gospel life, a life dedicated to 'love thy neighbor' could save them all.