I worry about centralization in LN yes.

However, we can't combat centralization by fighting incentives or doing sub-rational things (like peering with subpar peers, wasting liquidity, etc.). We either win (stay decentralized) by setting up the right incentives & building the right tech, or we don't. Altruism is only a method for bootstrapping, not a sustainable model for at-scale networks.

For River in the specific, we do aim to minimize failed payments, and while that requires pruning bad peers, i don't think it's as pro-centralization as it seems. The tech exists or will exist to allow anyone to be a good peer. The main challenge will be whether capital requirements drive centralization.