According to CryptoPotato, Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions have been under scrutiny this year, despite gaining significant traction. Mempool founder Mononaut has been particularly critical, highlighting several technical drawbacks. His views have been supported by Bitcoin Ordinals founder Casey Rodarmor.
Bitcoin Layer 2 networks are secondary protocols built on the Bitcoin blockchain, designed to improve scalability and transaction efficiency. They achieve this by offloading transactions from the main blockchain, which results in faster transaction processing, decreased congestion, and lower fees across the Bitcoin network. Layer 2s also allow developers to integrate smart contract functionalities on the blockchain, thereby extending the protocol's capabilities.
However, Mononaut has identified several issues with these implementations. He argued that if a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution lacks support for unilateral exit, it functions more as a multi-signature system than a true Layer 2 solution. He also criticized Layer 2 solutions that involve venture capital investors and introduce their own tokens, likening them to pump and dump schemes. He further warned against Layer 2s backed by upgradeable Ethereum contracts and controlled by a single entity, viewing them as potential rug pulls.
Mononaut also cautioned against solutions that incentivize locking up coins for extended periods, comparing them to previous scams such as Hex 3.0. He criticized solutions that claim to be Bitcoin-native but are actually Ethereum multi-signature systems, labeling them as affinity scams. He also highlighted the danger of systems that lack comprehensive technical documentation, comparing them to the infamous Bitconnect scam.
Despite the criticism, prominent Bitcoin educator Dan Held, a vocal proponent of Layer 2s on Bitcoin, expects an explosion of such solutions as the bull run unfolds. In an interview with CryptoQuant, Held acknowledged the inefficiencies of existing Layer 2s, such as Lightning Network, Liquid, and Rootstock, but still believes that the latest resurgence could pave the way for many new players. He anticipates a variety of different Ethereum L2s, with no single winner taking all, and expects a significant increase in Bitcoin L2s.