Dust Expiry: Clean the UTXO set from spam

This strategy is designed to precisely identify and address a subset of dust transactions that can be deterministically classified as spam, thereby aiming to cleanse the network of unnecessary clutter while also undermining the financial incentives behind the creation of such spam. The focus on deterministically identifiable spam dust—those transactions under 1,000 satoshis associated with Ordinals, which constitute about 40% of the Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) set in Bitcoin Core—is highlighted as a targeted measure to tackle the issue without indiscriminately removing all dust transactions.

The term "deterministic" in this context suggests a method by which dust can be reliably identified as spam through a specific checking function that consistently yields a true result for spam identification, rather than yielding variable outcomes. This implies a level of reliability and specificity in identifying spam-related dust, focusing on those transactions that clearly support non-monetary activities external to Bitcoin’s core functions. The emphasis on deterministic identification serves to underline the precision and reliability of this targeted approach.

Moreover, the proposal seems to favor a strategy that places responsibility on users, thereby potentially circumventing risks associated with direct confiscation and addressing regulatory concerns. This user-centric approach is viewed positively, although there is an expressed interest in understanding how it might integrate with the broader strategy focused on non-monetary dust. The challenge lies in ensuring compatibility between these methods, particularly in maintaining a deterrent against future spamming behaviors within the network.

Overall, this discussion reflects a sophisticated consideration of both the technical and behavioral aspects of managing dust and spam in the Bitcoin ecosystem. It underscores an effort to balance the need for network cleanliness with considerations around user responsibility, regulatory implications, and the prevention of spam without compromising the integrity or functionality of the network.