The use of arbitrary data isn't really relevant to decentralization - that's what the block size limit is for.
A much bigger threat to decentralization is things like ETFs and the normalization of just letting an institution hold your bitcoin.
Discussion
I wonder what happens with ETFs at forks. Do you know how ETFs define bitcoin?
I suppose different funds would deal with it differently. As for IBIT, this is what I found on their 8K filing:
>> In the event of a fork, the Anchorage Custodian Agreement provides that the Additional Bitcoin Custodian may temporarily suspend services, and
may, in their sole discretion, determine whether or not to support (or cease supporting) either branch of the forked protocol entirely, provided that the
Additional Bitcoin Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid ceasing to support both branches of such forked protocol.
BlackRock also has shitcoin ETF, so I wouldn't trust them to do the right thing when the time comes.
thanks!
>> use of arbitrary data isn't really relevant to decentralization
Tell that to those previously running nodes on weak hardware but no longer can.
it is still a matter of debate if full segwit blocks will suffice to cover the security budget in the near future. fees are the bottom line. nobody is going to make the whole world stop for you because you won't upgrade your crappy computer or your crappy internet. you're not special.
Fees+subsidy are the bottom line, not just fees.
And what do you do when your neighbors throw trash in your yard? Do something to discourage them or upgrade to a fancier house?
pays fee = not trash
if you don't think that the blocksize limit and fee market are good enough to deter abuse, maybe you can switch to XRP
if you aren't prepared for perpetually full segwit blocks, find another hobby
Looks like you have a fundamental misunderstanding. There are many kinds of consensus valid transactions (which fees are attached to) that Bitcoin Core configurations have always filtered. See https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/96970/what-valid-transactions-are-not-broadcastable
Spammers pay fees for their internet too. So why not disable all your email spam filters and let all that trash in?
if there's at least one miner who doesn't have autism, you'll store the valid transactions that you don't like regardless, and meanwhile your fee estimation will be wrong. you have a terminal case of having your cake and eating it too. go and fork off and create your own network where transactions you don't agree with are invalid.
That's false. Go study.