I share the feels... but, I have a more optimistic view of it. Even though it's not easy to do, I think by the time this amount of loss in the system is realized and has a problematic impact, we will implement one of the many options to create more decimals. Some lightning implementations even already allow .001 sats. Being able to add infinite decimals is what will ultimately make bitcoin infinitely usable in the face of permanent loss and reduction of the integer supply.
In the case of stacker.news funds--this is different than the kind of loss you get from lost on-chain fund keys as the lighting channels that are ultimately holding the user funds are still alive and functioning (meaning the liquidity is still able to move back and forth on the lightning network and continue to function and serve new users). It might actually improve lightning for people to go dormant and store more funds on the network as it creates a base layer of liquidity that can be used as an infinitely toggle-able pressure valve (so long as the keepers of the platform properly maintain their channels).
I hadn't thought of that -- the LN version gives a way out in terms of network utility, so long as the sites are operating ethically, as you described. That's a great insight. It's like our loved ones are with us after death!
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