A group of developers within the Ethereum ecosystem has unveiled Ethereum R1, a layer-2 scaling solution for the Ethereum network that operates without a native token. The initiative, funded entirely by donations and lacking venture capital or pre-mined token allocations, aims to embody principles of decentralization and neutrality. The developers argue that mainstream layer-2 solutions are becoming too centralized and governance-heavy, diverging from Ethereum's original vision for scaling solutions. Ethereum R1 seeks to simplify this landscape, asserting that general-purpose L2s should be straightforward and lack centralized dependencies. Concerns regarding the sustainability of Ethereum's base layer have been raised as low demand for block space resulted in reduced transaction fees. Nonetheless, proponents of Ethereum's layer-2 approach argue that the variety of options available empowers users to select solutions that best fit their needs. This project represents a significant shift in the ethos surrounding layer-2 development on Ethereum, pressing for a return to fundamental values of accessibility and decentralization for scaling solutions.

Source 🔗