That part is similar I agree but with lightning and liquid you can actually transact off chain then settle on chain you can’t do that with an ETF. It is closer to holding bitcoin on an exchange than it is to lightning or liquid.
Discussion
I wouldn’t call Coinbase or Kraken or MSTR a layer 2 either.
in order to change liquid into lightning, you have to use a service called Boltz a Corporate Entity
a trusted 3rd party with a TOS
Yea but a trusted third party is not a layer 2. I’m not arguing that part I am arguing that you can’t transact with an ETF. If I could send IBIT to a wallet I self custody or transfer it to and from anyone with an IBIT address, then I’d agree but you cannot. It is just a custody solution not a layer 2.