Bitcoin is slow by design because it prioritises final settlement and verification, not retail throughput. That does not make it “just an underlying asset.” It makes it base-layer money.

Lightning is not a third-party chain in the custodial sense, it’s an optional second layer that inherits Bitcoin’s security and can be used non-custodially. Optional layers don’t negate sound money; they’re how sound money scales.

Sound money is defined by scarcity, verifiability, and resistance to discretionary issuance, not transaction speed.

Tail emission is a policy choice, not a requirement. Permanent inflation does not make money sound; it makes dilution perpetual.

Anyway, I’ll end this debate here. It’s clear we have different views, which is perfectly fine. These kinds of discussions are necessary for progress, even when there’s no agreement.