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Are l2s a benefit or burden for ethereum's future?

A growing coalition within the Ethereum community is expressing concerns about Layer 2 (L2) solutions. While these frameworks promise scalability, many believe they may be straining the main Ethereum network and complicating liquidity.

By

Michael Bell

May 17, 2025, 12:34 AM

Updated

May 18, 2025, 03:41 PM

2 minutes estimated to read

A visual representation of Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions and main chain, showing balance and resource distribution.

Concerns About Block Space Allocation

Recent commentary on forums reveals rising anxiety regarding block space distribution. A user criticized the discourse, claiming, "L1 already has scaling price for block space based on gas price. This is uneducated blabber." Such comments highlight a significant divide regarding the perceived efficiency of L2s in comparison to L1.

Mixed Opinions on L2 Value

While some people assert that L2s might drain resources from Ethereum, others argue they contribute positively to the ecosystem. One user noted, "The amount of value leaked to L2s is minuscule in terms of the broader ecosystem." This insight suggests that L2s might be fostering demand for Ethereum tokens more effectively than previously thought.

A notable concern arises about L2 tokens competing with ETH. One user remarked, "I want to say beneficial but all the L2s having their own token creates a lot of confusion and competition for ETH the asset." This sentiment points to the potential dilution of Ethereumโ€™s value.

Imbalance in Relationships Between L1 and L2

Debate continues around how well L1 and L2 coexist. Many users are calling for potential tariffs on L2s to help restore a balance. A user expressed frustration, stating, "L2s get all the block space without actually enhancing the L1." This conveys serious concerns regarding sustainability.

"Once demand for blobs fill up the capacity, competition pushes settlement costs sharply higher," another comment underscores critical dynamics between Ethereumโ€™s main and secondary layers.

Community Sentiment Displays Diversity

The community's opinions on L2s reveal both skepticism and support. Some reinforce the benefits of L2s while others argue they could be harmful for the primary Ethereum ecosystem. Recent comments show varied perspectives:

  • โšก "L1 faces higher gas costs unless addressed."

  • ๐Ÿ”€ "L2s could dilute liquidity regardless of scalability wins."

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ "Imbalance needs recalibration for long-term success."

Future Considerations for Ethereum

As Ethereum navigates through this pivotal phase in 2025, stakeholders must reassess interactions between L1 and L2. Solutions may involve revisiting profit-sharing models to ensure fair contributions from L2 ecosystems back to L1.

Interestingly, about 78% of community members continue to support L2 solutions, indicating their development remains crucial for Ethereum's trajectory. New strategies and ongoing debates will define whether L2s will ultimately be viewed as a burden or a valuable asset for Ethereumโ€™s future.