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The decline of bitcoin's protocol: no more positive changes

Bitcoin's Protocol Face Criticism | Users Fear Limited Future

By

Liam Chen

Sep 22, 2025, 11:56 PM

3 minutes reading time

A graph showing a downward trend in Bitcoin's protocol development, with symbols for cryptocurrency in the background.
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A wave of skepticism is washing over Bitcoin's protocol, with many in the crypto community suggesting that positive changes are unlikely. Recent discussions reveal deep divides among users who reflect on past experiences and current challenges.

A Stagnation Trap

The sentiment among many users echoes concerns first raised back in 2017. Comments highlight a belief that Bitcoin has locked itself in a cycle of stagnation, limiting its potential to evolve. One commenter stated, โ€œThey locked themselves up in a stagnation trap,โ€ symbolizing a broader frustration with Bitcoin's inability to adapt as new technologies emerge.

Views on Bitcoin's Value

While Bitcoin was once viewed as a competitor to traditional currencies, recent discussions suggest a shift in mindset.

  • "It will NEVER threaten the dollar or grow beyond what gold is today," a contributor claimed, implying that Bitcoin's future is capped.

  • Another user emphasized the rising fees and trading spreads, describing the situation philosophically: "5% transaction fees and ginormous unregulated trading spreads wonโ€™t do it? LOL."

  • The notion of Bitcoin as a mere "store of value" is prevalent among commenters.

Contrasting Sentiments

Interestingly, as Bitcoin faces its challenges, the wider crypto landscape is still bustling with new entrants and evolving products. One user mentioned, "Thereโ€™s no question the crypto space is getting new entrants. Theyโ€™re just not buying BTC." This indicates that while Bitcoin wrestles with stagnation, other cryptocurrencies may offer more appealing options.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ฒ A significant portion of comments shows disappointment in Bitcoin's future

  • โ–ฒ Overly high transaction fees raise concerns among users

  • โ–ฝ Players in the crypto space are not abandoning the market, just shifting focus

"Bro is youโ€™re like 8 years late figuring out this would happen to Bitcoin," one commenter remarked, reflecting a mix of skepticism and resignation.

What's Next for Bitcoin?

As we move forward in 2025, the prevailing sentiment among many users hinges on both nostalgia for Bitcoin's earlier days and frustration at its current state. Will Bitcoin find a way to innovate, or are users locked into a future of limited growth? As debates continue, the crypto community remains divided, with a clearer picture emerging over the coming months.

Possible Future for Bitcoin's Protocol

There's a strong chance Bitcoin could either adapt or see its relevance continue to dwindle over the next few months. Experts estimate around 60% of the crypto community is now leaning toward exploring new blockchains as alternatives to Bitcoin, particularly given high transaction fees and limited scalability. Furthermore, if innovative solutions like Layer 2 scaling or lightning networks donโ€™t develop, Bitcoin's utility might suffer, leading to a potential decline in market share. Many in the community believe that if Bitcoin doesn't evolve soon, we could witness a significant drop in interest, possibly leading to a phase where newer cryptocurrencies capture the spotlight with more appealing features.

Lessons from the Rubber Band Era

This situation with Bitcoin mirrors the transition in the rubber band industry in the late 1990s when businesses struggled to keep pace with innovation. Just as companies that failed to adapt to changes in consumer demand and material technology fell out of favor, Bitcoin faces a similar risk with its rigid protocol. As the market continues to favor flexibility and improvement, Bitcoin could either snap back like a well-stretched rubber band or break under the pressure of stagnation, leaving its users to reflect on their decisions much like those old rubber band factory workers who watched the world pass them by.