Runes Exploits Network’s Design Flaw: Bitcoin Core Dev Insists

Bitcoin core developer, Luke Dashjr has slammed the Runes protocol noting that it exploits design flaws within the network. In an April 26 post on X (formerly Twitter), the BTC core developer restated fears echoed by the crypto community on the Runes protocol. 

According to him, Runes merely exploit fundamental design flaws while Ordinals exploit vulnerabilities. Both protocols were rolled out by Casey Rodarmor marking his second huge innovation on the original blockchain. 

Dashjr and some developers have recently been mindful of both protocols citing a deviation from the original principles according to critics. The projects are also criticized for clogging the network although Bitcoin miner fees increased significantly. 

Bitcoin Ordinals were likened to non-fungible tokens on the blockchain which differs in impact from Runes. On April 26, a crypto enthusiast stated that Ocean Mining mined their first block after the Bitcoin halving made up of 75% Runes. He called on Dashjr to explain why he mined Runes which was referred to as shitcoins or if he now has a change of heart.

“Scammy” Dashjr Mounts Criticisms

In his response, Dashjr notes that they don’t dictate blocks for miners but empower them to decide while reiterating Runes as scams.

“That being said, while it’s unfortunate many scammy Runes got mined, they did meet the policies OCEAN has recommended from the start. While Ordinals are a 9-vector attack that exploits vulnerabilities in Bitcoin Core, Runes are “only” a 5-vector attack that technically follows the “rules”.

Runes Debates Continue

Crypto enthusiasts share divided opinions on the importance of Runes to the Bitcoin community. On one hand, critics say that an issue with the protocol is the design flaw which can lead to failed transactions getting mined.

Others opine that it will lead to scam transactions in the network. On the other side of the coin, Bitcoin miners are the biggest beneficiaries of the protocol after recording huge gains after the halving. The Bitcoin halving slashed rewards by 50% spurring most miners making a case for Runes.

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