Why is it said that the true value of Layer 2 is an "experimental innovation sandbox"?

Author: on-chain view

This is a very meaningful perspective, and it seems to be a positive interpretation of Ethereum layer 2 that we haven't seen in a long time: the true value of layer 2s is as an "experimental innovation sandbox."

For example, Arbtrium can explore DAO governance, Optimism can implement the RetroPGF funding mechanism, Base can attempt CEX integration, ZKSync can promote account abstraction, and so on. If these innovations were to be implemented directly on the mainnet, the risks would be too high, but on layer2, even if they fail, it won't jeopardize the entire ecosystem.

Interestingly, it seems that different layer2 solutions can serve completely different user groups, for example, enterprise chains that focus on compliance, privacy chains that advocate for censorship resistance, and gaming chains that can facilitate high-frequency trading, among others.

It seems that looking back, there are indeed quite a few layer 2 + layer 3 solutions built on various types of Stack stacks. Although none of them have become the expected saviors to attract traffic and provide a lifeline to Ethereum, they have indeed made remarkable contributions in terms of the "diversity" of experimental scalability solutions.

Of course, one could say that they are ultimately all about issuing tokens, but there is an underlying logic: they have at least to some extent continued and inherited the decentralized security features of Ethereum.

Otherwise, using the current star product Hyperliquid and the independent exclusive chain layer 1 thinking that some Wall Street Giant enterprises want to do, although it can achieve a silky upgrade in experience, essentially sacrifices decentralization for ultimate performance. Moreover, these independent chains are likely to issue tokens, and what they do may not be fundamentally different from layer2, or even worse. However, this step is a complete denial of the experimental field of layer2.

Therefore, what lies ahead for layer2 is actually a very clear path: abandoning the broad and comprehensive idea of a General-Purpose chain, and exploring Specific-Chains tailored to the new demands of Mass Adoption is the right way forward. For example, how to introduce well-known game IPs, how to meet the needs for privacy transactions and compliance, how to serve the high-frequency interaction demands of AI Agents, and how to provide compliant on-chain access channels for RWA assets, etc.

In other words, as long as layer 2s abandon the pure technical architecture's internal competition, discard the obsession with a large and comprehensive general chain, and focus on integrating with TradFi's business, the situation for layer 2 may not be as bleak as everyone thinks.