Bitcoin is our one chance. We can’t mess it up!

We need to take BitVM as a lesson. It’s exciting that we have “new” functionality, but it’s terrifying that bitcoin was updated and nobody knew that this was there. This is the second time that Taproot had unintended consequences. First inscriptions and now BitVM.

The problem is that new expansive technologies are being added to bitcoin without full appreciation of how the change will be used (or abused). Devs love new technologies and new possibilities. “We could do this! Or this! Or that!” But this makes the changed software more complex (which increases bugs), and risky (with more ways to be abused).

The better way might be to scope down updates to specifically solve a narrow use-case. This could also help make the change more understandable which might help the community reach consensus faster.

Maybe this is now a moot point because BitVM might accelerate bitcoin ossification. 🤷‍♂️