Question: I run an Umbrel node. If I open a Lightning channel with one person, that I’ll likely never pay them for anything, what is the benefit?
Is my open channel going to be used to help the whole network as a whole?
Discussion
The benefits are dependent on who they’re connected with. By opening to one well connected node, you can send payments to almost anyone. You can also receive payments if there are sats on their side. If you want to be a routing node (not for everyone) then you’ll need a bunch of well connected channels.