Yup, hard to say generally. Probably, profitable nodes most likely tend to hold their "secret sauce" to become a profitable node. Many variables to determine how to become a successful and profitable LN node. 😅
I'm not public LN node runner, so sorry can't help much in this topic.
I run a small node myself, about 20 channels, and I've noticed more smaller payments lately (zaps). I also have 0 base fee setup on all my channels and those zaps net me nothing. So a small base fee might be better with 0ppm. Maybe even likes 0.5 or 0.25 base fee instead of 1. I'm not trying to be profitable but would like to cover FC and Open costs.
Oh did you already set those 0.25 or 0.5 base fees? Maybe you can analyze them better in a month.
Also, I think you need to make sure to have open channel closely to WOS, Alby, Stackernews, LNTipBot node to get maximum possible fees.
Haven't changed my base fees yet, I might give it a try. Also good idea to open channels in between all the custodial wallets, but, why wouldn't they just open up to themselves? I'll need to investigate more this weekend!
Not sure, have not check them in details. I think they have some channels between them but still they possibly charge a bit between each other. Logically, node operator like us can possibly target them to bridge liquidity between their channel.
Good luck with your experiment, hopefully you can get some profit 🙂
