Relax OP_RETURN standardness restrictions

In a recent exchange among industry experts, the discussion highlighted significant challenges and evolving dynamics within high-growth, early-stage industries, particularly focusing on the difficulty these companies face in adapting through periods of rapid expansion. This conversation touched upon historical shifts in market leadership, citing examples from the PC market where IBM and Compaq's dominance waned over decades, and the mobile phone sector where giants like Nokia and Motorola lost their foothold.

The dialogue also ventured into the realm of cryptocurrency mining, emphasizing the infancy of the mining industry and the potential for substantial changes in the hierarchy of major miners alongside shifts in their philosophies and priorities. The unpredictability of the industry was stressed, noting the recent public offerings of many key players as a marker of its nascent stage. Within this context, the discussion pointed to the variability in mining behavior, particularly regarding the mining of non-standard transactions, which was illustrated with an example involving Eligius, a miner not classified as a public company (pubco), who mined a non-standard OP_RETURN transaction in 2013.

Furthermore, the conversation delved into the strategic considerations for users of blockchain technology, specifically around securing future block space and managing the associated costs. This aspect was discussed with a hypothetical scenario where entities needing significant block space for activities such as marketing campaigns could face uncertainties regarding availability and pricing. The solution proposed involves negotiating arrangements with miners or coalitions thereof to guarantee access to and lock in costs for future block space, showcasing proactive measures being explored to address these concerns.

Finally, the debate around modifying the OP_RETURN policy in Bitcoin's protocol was broached, with opinions seemingly against altering current practices. The consensus among miners appears to lean towards maintaining the status quo, favoring centralization and the benefits it offers to large miners, such as the ability to provide paid services that circumvent standard transaction protocols. This stance underscores the complexities and varied interests within the Bitcoin development ecosystem, reflecting broader themes of innovation, regulation, and the balance between growth and stability in the tech industry.