[Pre-BIP Discussion] Bitcoin Node Repository Consensus-Policy Separation

In a recent discussion on the Bitcoin Development Mailing List, a point was made regarding the nature of control and influence within the Bitcoin ecosystem, specifically addressing a critique about Bitcoin Core. It was highlighted that Bitcoin Core merely provides a default configuration for its users, who have the autonomy to choose this software freely. The argument extends to emphasize that inability to persuade others to switch from Bitcoin Core does not grant one the right to demand changes in the software that are seen as undesirable by its authors or its user base.

The conversation also touched upon the oversight of the bitcoin/bitcoin repository, revealing that Microsoft ultimately has control due to hosting on GitHub. However, this fact was dismissed as irrelevant to Bitcoin's definition or its core values, reinforcing the idea that the platform's decentralized nature remains intact despite such technicalities.

Furthermore, the dialogue served as a reminder of the appropriate channels for constructive discourse within the Bitcoin community. It was pointed out that efforts to develop alternative Bitcoin client solutions should be shared through proper forums like the bitcoin-dev mailing list, rather than attempting to redefine Bitcoin's voluntary principle through what was described as demagogic spamming of subscribers.

This exchange underscores the importance of respecting the voluntary adoption of technologies within the Bitcoin community, the significance of maintaining decorum in developmental discussions, and the need for directing proposals and critiques through accepted venues designed for constructive and technical debate.