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.
Discussion
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 😄