It still feels a bit disingenuous. Nothing about LN got "more efficient", just poorly managed nodes fell off the network. Efficiency gains imply something improved at the protocol level.
Discussion
But do you not agree that poorly managed nodes falling off the network due to economic stress (associated costs) essentially = a more efficient network? The protocol itself functions as intended, but as LN usage increases over time nodes will have to better manage costs, liquidly & infrastructure. Game theory auto-optimizes for efficiency on the network because poorly run nodes (eventually) can not continue to afford to remain part of it.
I don't think it's making things more efficient, it's more of a cleanup. Seeing the amount of liquidity on lightning go down and responding to it by saying "it's getting more efficient" feels like copium. "Node runners are upping their game/getting more professional" is a better description of what's going on.
I think we agree with what's going on, just arguing semantics and language 😄