Scratch last answer. I think I'm getting lost in a few things.
I do understand that a node validating a transaction following different rules = fork
Discussion
I guess my current line of questioning is more about the impact that a node who simply record other transactions following the current rules would have if it was to change it's rules.
Imo, ot would have 0 impact.
They wouldn't serve as a 'force' to push the new fork as it as no economic power.
Then, if I believe this, I must also believe that a node who simply record valid transaction do not have much power in pushing the current original Bitcoin as the real Bitcoin.
Tho calling it useless might be wrong since they serve as decentralization of the ledger.
Essentially I might be coming to the understanding that
Economic node = Strong network
Nodes = Decentralization network
I don't know tho. Just thinking out loud 😄
Actually I really enjoyed that full line of thinking!
I agree with you on your train of thought.
It's not that the one node has a ton of power individually. It's the fact that it stops other individuals from trying to push whatever agenda they want.
You're holding the status quo by running the node. Which if #Bitcoin fails decentralization, let's face it, #Bitcoin fails all together. It's incredibly valuable to have more nodes although you can't see the benefit except abstractly.