I don't know why you're being downvoted, it's an entirely valid observation. And as I type, it's the only comment mentioning lightning as competition. Moreover

I don't know why you're being downvoted, it's an entirely valid observation. And as I type, it's the only comment mentioning lightning as competition. Moreover, my greater sense is that the nuts and bolts of crypto is not an HN strong suit. It usually brings out religious-type arguments with little sense of balance. <sigh>