Bitcoiners have been known to make irrational arguments against improvements to Bitcoin, but the backlash against ephemeral anchors takes the cake. These anchors, designed to simplify Lightning channel closures, have been met with baseless accusations of spam and attacks on core developers.
To understand the need for ephemeral anchors, one must first grasp the intricacies of Lightning channels. With Lightning, users must pre-determine the fee rate for unilateral closure transactions. This is crucial for security, as both parties must sign these transactions in advance. However, fluctuations in fees can lead to unnecessary expenses or delays in channel closure.
Enter ephemeral anchors, a solution that leverages v3 transaction relay and package relay. These anchors enable zero-fee transactions with an OP_TRUE output that anyone can spend. By including an ephemeral anchor in a transaction, users can fee-bump it as needed, simplifying closure processes and eliminating capital inefficiencies.
Despite its clear benefits, ephemeral anchors have faced unwarranted criticism. Claims of spam and accusations against core developers removing dust limits are unfounded, as these anchors do not contribute to UTXO bloat and are immediately spent in the same block.
As the Bitcoin community navigates technical advancements, it’s crucial to differentiate between legitimate criticism and irrational tribalism. While constructive feedback is welcomed, baseless attacks hinder progress and serve as a denial of service against Bitcoin’s evolution.
In conclusion, ephemeral anchors represent a significant step forward for Lightning channels and second-layer protocols. It’s time to move past unfounded criticisms and focus on the innovation that will drive Bitcoin’s future growth.
This article is a Take. Opinions expressed are solely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.