64 bit arithmetic soft fork

Understanding the nuances of big number operations in the context of the secp scalar field is essential for effectively managing data within blockchain technologies. The email suggests considering a scenario where strict adherence to minimaldata rules may not be ideal, particularly when dealing with scalars derived from blockheader hashes which could naturally include leading zeroes. It's highlighted that enforcing minimaldata could complicate matters as it requires removing these leading zeroes before any mathematical operations can proceed. This process, while not insurmountable, presents an unnecessary complication.

The sender also proposes a variant of the minimaldata rule that would apply specifically to values obtained directly from the witness stack. However, this variant would intentionally exclude program pushes or results of operations, allowing more flexibility when handling data within computational processes on the blockchain. The idea is to maintain efficiency and simplicity in programming while adhering to necessary regulations, suggesting a nuanced approach to data handling rules that accommodate the variable sizes and characteristics of big numbers in cryptographic fields.