Nature is full of examples of intentional waste as a form of signaling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signalling_theory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signalling

Nature is full of examples of intentional waste as a form of signaling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signalling_theory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signalling_theory That said, IMO Proof of Work is indistinguishable from Proof of Stake with extra steps. And considering the massive environmental externality of Bitcoin mining, I want to see the major nations heavily tax, if not completely outlaw, Proof of Work mining.