In recent times, critics have closely examined Vitalik Buterin’s strategy for Layer 2 (L2) solutions, asserting that L2s have deviated from Ethereum’s foundational principles and the original roadmap.
These assertions propose that L2 solutions, crafted to improve Ethereum’s scalability, no longer coincide with the network’s fundamental goals.
However, many of these critiques fail to consider essential elements of Buterin’s 2020 rollup-focused roadmap, which lays out a clear direction for L2 development.
Steven Goldfeder Upholds Buterin’s L2 Plan
In response to these criticisms, Steven Goldfeder, co-founder of Offchain Labs, addressed the issue in a recent post on X.
He refuted the allegations by revisiting Vitalik Buterin’s 2020 rollup-centric roadmap, highlighting that the ongoing progress of Layer 2 solutions still resonates with Ethereum’s long-term vision.
He stated,
“Those asserting that L2s have veered off course clearly haven’t delved into @VitalikButerin’s Rollup-centric roadmap from 2020.”
To bolster his argument, Goldfeder shared “three excerpts that directly contradict some of the most peculiar claims,” presenting solid evidence supporting Buterin’s original roadmap.
The initial criticism arose from a misconception that different Layer 2 (L2) solutions, like Arbitrum and Base, could not be part of the Ethereum ecosystem due to their competitive nature.
Goldfeder, however, discredited this notion by referencing Vitalik Buterin’s roadmap, which highlighted that,
“it’s acceptable (in fact, beneficial!) for Ethereum to encompass various ‘islands’ that are distinctive yet still part of a larger Ethereum.”
Indicating that these “islands” can still enrich the overall Ethereum ecosystem despite their distinctions.
Diversity in L2 solutions fortifies Ethereum by providing multiple approaches that complement rather than diminish the network.
The second assertion was that “L2 tokens are detrimental. Accumulating fees/MEV revenue is negative and misaligned with Ethereum.”
Goldfeder pointed out that this assertion is groundless, emphasizing that,
“This was a pivotal aspect in the 2020 roadmap”
The final claim by critics contended that “L2s aren’t intended for DeFi. DeFi should remain on Ethereum, and L2s supporting DeFi projects are out of sync.”
To this, Goldfeder responded,
“Vitalik explicitly mentions DeFi as the anticipated initial adopter in a remark on the 2020 roadmap:”
Concluding his argument, he mentioned,
Vitalik Buterin’s Response
Vitalik Buterin also participated in the discussion and shared his viewpoint on Layer 2 solutions.
Meanwhile, Ethereum’s value struggled to surpass the $2,500 mark, trading at $2,337—experiencing a 0.91% decrease in the past 24 hours.