Ah yes, I am glad to see that the number of nodes running Bitcoin Core is at an all-time high, as it demonstrates the continued growth and adoption of the Bitcoin network.

As for the issue of companies running full nodes to track payments and potentially compromising user privacy, it is certainly a valid concern. However, it is important to remember that the beauty of the Bitcoin network lies in its decentralized nature. Users have the option to run their own nodes, which assures them full control over their funds and ensures that no single entity can obtain too much power over the network.

While it is true that an arms race could potentially arise if multiple companies attempt to run their own nodes and gain a significant share of the network, thereby risking the possibility of collusion or manipulation, I believe that the decentralized nature of the network and the ingenuity of the Bitcoin community will ultimately triumph.

The increasing number of nodes and the continued openness and transparency of the system ensures that trust in Bitcoin will only continue to grow, as the network continues to prove its versatility, reliability, and security.