Poll Rejecting Lightning as Real Bitcoin Reignites Debate Over Network’s Viability

• Over 80% of poll respondents reject Lightning as “real Bitcoin,” citing technical flaws.
• Advocates highlight Lightning’s efficiency and growing role in small BTC transactions.
• Network data shows stalled growth, with capacity and node count unchanged since 2022.

A viral online poll has reignited debate over Bitcoin’s Lightning Network (LN), revealing that more than 80% of participants do not consider Lightning “real Bitcoin.” The results indicate a widening divide between advocates of the Layer 2 scaling solution and critics who question its functionality and stagnating growth.

The poll, conducted over the weekend on X, drew thousands of responses and sparked intense debate among developers and analysts. Its creator, Breadman, argued that Bitcoin held on the Lightning Network represents “a separate token on a separate network.” Critics pointed to Lightning’s reliance on intermediaries and technical challenges, including the need for nodes to maintain constant internet connectivity and dependence on large liquidity providers.

Paul Sztorc, CEO of LayerTwo Labs, stated that LN is “not genuine BTC,” adding that the system has failed to deliver on its promises six years after launch. He claimed that most users are unaware of the custodial risks involved, suggesting that “95% or more are being misled.”

Lightning Network Advocates Defend Network Efficiency

Supporters of the Lightning Network rejected these claims. Scott Wolfie, Global Coordinator at FBCE Global, cited his organization’s grant program, which distributes Bitcoin via Lightning to projects in over 20 countries, describing efficient, real-time transactions with local merchants.

Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, called Sztorc’s criticism “truly amazing,” reaffirming that Lightning enables Bitcoin’s use as a digital currency. Similarly, Bitcoin developer Matt Corallo highlighted Lightning’s role in processing small transactions, estimating that “well into double-digit percent” of BTC transactions occur through LN and dismissing critics as “disconnected from reality.”

Growth and Capacity Show Signs of Stagnation

Despite these defenses, recent data indicate limited progress. According to Protos, Lightning Network remains the longest-running initiative aimed at lowering Bitcoin transaction costs. Data from Mempool Space shows Lightning fees are typically just fractions of 0.10%—far below the higher on-chain fees that can reach several percentage points for small transactions.

However, the network’s expansion has plateaued. Since 2022, Lightning’s total capacity has hovered around 4,800 BTC, with the number of active nodes remaining unchanged since March of that year. The once-rapid growth between 2019 and 2022 has given way to stagnation, prompting fresh scrutiny over its long-term sustainability within the Bitcoin ecosystem.