op_return spam is beneficial

The debate stems from the challenge of balancing the need to limit spam on the Bitcoin network with the potential benefits of using OP_RETURN, which include conserving Unspent Transaction Outputs (UTXOs) and indirectly supporting network health by redirecting potential spam funds towards enhancing hash power. This conservation of UTXOs is crucial because it helps mitigate the risk of UTXO bloat, a significant concern for maintaining the decentralization of the blockchain.

One of the core arguments against unrestricted use of OP_RETURN is rooted in the belief that Bitcoin should not serve as a platform for data storage, which some view as a misuse of the network's resources. This perspective is often interpreted as virtue signaling, aimed at emphasizing Bitcoin's primary function as a currency rather than a data storage solution. Critics argue that succumbing to social pressures without solid technical justification could potentially harm the protocol's integrity, making it vulnerable to non-technical criticisms that may not align with the network's long-term interests.

Additionally, the discussion highlights a specific technical issue unrelated to censorship but vital for the network's functionality: the problem posed by contiguous scriptpubkey data. Addressing this challenge involves maintaining high minimum transaction fees to prevent the relay of transactions unlikely to be mined. Such measures are essential for preserving the network's stability and ensuring the efficiency of Layer 2 (L2) protocols that rely on the relay network and these unconfirmed transactions.

Finally, the conversation touches upon the broader implications of block size and miner incentives. It suggests that when blocks are not full, resulting in negligible fees, the lack of sufficient rewards for miners could lead to a decline in hash power. To counteract this, there's a proposal to reduce the block size and enhance the mechanisms for securely sharing UTXOs, thereby allowing more users to utilize them efficiently. This strategy is aimed at ensuring the long-term viability and security of the Bitcoin network by maintaining an optimal balance between user accessibility and network health.