Excellent points related to solo mining (block template creation) and self-custodial lightning node operation!

"Staking" sounds like a carryover from shitcoinery. You can run a lightning node all you like regardless of funds. It would be pointless, but it is a fact. This is where you should probably read @DarthCoin primers on private vs public lightning nodes and understand the purpose of channel openings, inbound/outbound liquidity and routing (if public).

Just cast the chicken bones.

Ah, "moral" and "family". I think he left out the explicit references to Christ and how Bitcoin is actually holy money that's here to "save the family". Author should get in touch with Marty and the rest of the Ten31 evangelists...

Scoresby explains it as clearly as possible but I'd add that running a node isn't a charitable act. The incentives are aligned for you to run a node for purely selfish reasons. You point your wallet at your own node to verify your own transactions and broadcast your own transactions. Fuck everyone else. The network still benefits. "Bitcoin is for enemies."

Paid web search with no advertising and privacy respecting. I'm not just a fan, I'm also a customer.

Austin, Texas. I've paid a bar tab on Congress at Saturn Bar via lightning and I've purchased beer and snacks in the Bitcoin Commons multiple times with lightning. Kiosk set up and self serve. Slick.

I know that Medici Coffee locations around the city accept Bitcoin as well as Local Pastures for meat, eggs and dairy etc.

Beer (in person)
Beer (in person)

I'm sure there are just tons of people running these ancient wallets without backups right? /s

Yeah, that was a mistake with the double negative. Your response clarifies what I was after though. Appreciate it!

Figured no chance anyone would get the reference. Y'all give me hope that not all is lost! :)