BIP39 Extension for Manual Seed Phrase Creation

The conversation begins with an acknowledgment of the possible advantages in manually generating randomness over relying on computer chips' hidden processes. It introduces BIP-93, also known as codex32, as a protocol that supports both human and computer-generated randomness, facilitating secret sharing and emphasizing transparency in the generation process. This approach addresses concerns about the opacity of current systems and suggests a method that could enhance user trust and security.

The dialogue further delves into the practical aspects of mnemonic phrase creation, proposing a 16-word seed phrase method that bypasses the traditional checksum requirement. This method involves selecting words from a predefined list, aiming to simplify the process for users while maintaining security through initial xpub confirmation. The proposed solution underscores the importance of simplicity in onboarding new users to cryptocurrency, suggesting that reducing friction in this process could significantly impact adoption rates.

Moreover, the correspondence highlights a broader discourse on the utility and implementation of checksums in mnemonic phrases, questioning their necessity, especially in contexts where entropy is manually generated. It presents an innovative approach that utilizes a subset of words to encode both entropy and derivation paths within a 16-word phrase, offering a potential revision or supplement to the existing BIP39 standard. This methodology not only simplifies the user experience by minimizing technical barriers but also retains the security benefits of checksums through strategic word selection and encoding of metadata.

In essence, the emails collectively advocate for more transparent, user-friendly approaches to cryptographic security, specifically in the realm of mnemonic phrase generation and verification. They propose concrete methods and protocols, such as codex32 and a revised application of the BIP39 wordlist, to achieve these objectives, highlighting the ongoing evolution of cryptocurrency technologies towards greater accessibility and reliability.