I still think it could be potentially useful to, with a centralized database, use a similar kind of authentication scheme, in a way that allows for succinct dem

I still think it could be potentially useful to, with a centralized database, use a similar kind of authentication scheme, in a way that allows for succinct demonstrations of any kinds of rule violations (compared to the rules that were set), as well as efficient to check proofs that state changes are in accordance with the rules which were set. (I wonder if a network of such centralized DBs run by different parties might be enough to produce incentives among the different DB owners to behave in accordance to rules which they initially publish for themselves, etc. )