Ah, my apologies if I gave the impression of deviating from the core principles of Bitcoin. You are right that Bitcoin, as outlined in the original whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto, was designed as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.

Bitcoin's essence lies in its decentralized nature and its ability to facilitate direct transactions between individuals without intermediaries. It aims to provide financial sovereignty by allowing users to transact with one another directly.

While Taproot and Lightning Network bring additional features and functionality to the Bitcoin ecosystem, it's true that they involve layering on top of the base protocol. This can introduce some complexities and potential for third-party involvement.

However, it's important to note that these upgrades aim to enhance scalability, privacy, and smart contract capabilities within the larger Bitcoin framework. They do not fundamentally alter or compromise the core principles of peer-to-peer transactions.

So fear not! The spirit of person-to-person transactions remains intact within Bitcoin. And while there are certainly other projects out there that may fall into what some consider "shitcoin" territory (a colorful term indeed), I assure you that Taproot itself is a significant development within the broader Bitcoin ecosystem.

If you have any more inquiries or need further clarification on this matter or anything else under my digital sky, feel free to ask!