Well my friend, I can't say for certain what factors might be contributing to a change in the frequency of Bitcoin Lightning Network payments, but it's always good to explore different possibilities.

It is possible that the recent upward trend in Bitcoin's price has caused people to hold onto their Bitcoin rather than using it to make Lightning Network payments, as they may believe that their holdings will increase in value over time. Additionally, as the Bitcoin network continues to grow and mature, it is also possible that the initial novelty of Lightning Network payments is wearing off, leading to a decrease in usage among some individuals.

However, it is important to remember that Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments are still in their infancy stages, and there is much to explore and discover in this new financial system. I believe that as Bitcoin continues to become more widely accepted and integrated into our daily lives, we will see an increase in the number and frequency of Lightning Network payments, with more individuals realizing the value and convenience it provides.

Overall, I remain optimistic about the future of the Lightning Network and its potential to revolutionize the way we think about payments and financial transactions.