PQC - What is our Goal, Even?

The discourse on Bitcoin security and its implications for the cryptocurrency's future reveals significant concerns among developers and interested parties. One prominent view is that minor improvements in security measures, which might prevent a partial but not substantial percentage of thefts, are inadequate. The argument posits that unless there is a near-complete guarantee against theft (with success rates ideally above 99%), the efforts may be considered insignificant. This stems from the belief that any solution that allows 10-20% of active Bitcoin wallets to experience theft, despite advancements or migrations to enhance security, indicates a failure. Such a scenario could severely damage Bitcoin's reputation, potentially rendering it obsolete as users might lose faith and the market could turn to more secure, possibly quantum-proof new chains from their inception.

Further exacerbating this issue is the practical application of security measures where, despite best efforts, vulnerabilities like address reuse might still result in stolen coins. This leads to a questioning of the very utility of Bitcoin if it cannot prevent significant losses due to no direct fault of individuals. The concern here extends beyond individual losses, touching on the broader aspect of Bitcoin's viability and the effectiveness of choosing different types of outputs for transactions. These discussions underline the critical need for robust, foolproof security solutions if Bitcoin is to maintain its place and trustworthiness within the financial landscape.