It has come to my attention that there are still many people who think that the Lightning Network was designed to give full instant payment access to everybody on the planet in a completely self-custodial way from now until the end of time. There are those in the bitcoin space who are using this fact to criticize the Lightning Network and spread fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) and misconception.

Why these people, who never use Lightning, are so hell-bent on encouraging and spreading the false notion that the Lightning Network is dying/dead is beyond me. I suppose they just want you to hold in cold storage forever. I don't know.

First, The Lightning Network is still new. It is progressing well. We have lots of developments coming, such as taproot channels, PTLCs, route blinding, and more. It is still early. And while it is fairly easy to start a node and open channels today, it will not always be like that.

This begs the question, "Okay, then what is the point of Lightning?" The Lightning Network will likely transition to be a settlement layer between various federations and institutions. As on-chain fees skyrocket over time to compensate for huge settlement transactions, the Lightning Network will likely facilitate smaller but still relatively large settlements.

For example, say a community wants to build a new road or bridge. The community uses a fedimint style system for their general spending needs, but to renovate or build a bridge is expensive. They will likely come together and use the Lightning Network to pay the builders federation for the project. Likely in various chunks as the project progresses, but this is how it will likely be used. The federation will have a lightning node, but not the individuals.

This is actually success in my book. The Lightning Network will have many uses beyond this, but the fun we are having now of running our own node, connected to Zeus, and buying a beer at Bitcoin Park will not last forever. As bitcoin becomes more and more scarce, 90% of the planet will likely get their first sats from working for it, not from selling their fiat for it. And these sats will come out of a federated system.

To add a toxic cherry on top, it is amusing how no one actually running a lightning node or using lightning successfully is complaining about Lightning to the extent that those who do not use Lightning or who do not understand Lightning are. I am not sure what their goal is, but damn if anyone knows, let me know.

My opinions are subject to change, but this is how I am feeling right now. I did not proofread.