The current lightning implementations necessitate force closures in situations where small HTLCs are not resolved, to prevent potential theft through the gradual accumulation of these unresolved transactions. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining security, even at a cost that might not always be economically rational.

The OPR protocol is introduced as a solution that significantly alters the dynamics of how small HTLCs are managed, by making force closing a less appealing option due to increased costs from burned fees. This change aims to discourage participants from resorting to force closures over minor disputes, suggesting an incentive structure that promotes cooperation or at least a non-confrontational resolution strategy. However, it's acknowledged that this approach could inadvertently encourage leniency towards small HTLCs, potentially complicating the security model.

A critical advantage of the OPR protocol is highlighted in its approach to dispute resolution and channel management. Unlike traditional methods that may require going on-chain to resolve disagreements, thereby incurring additional costs and complexities, the OPR protocol allows for continued operation and eventual cooperative closure without necessitating on-chain conflict resolution. This feature directly addresses concerns regarding network reliability and the potential for malicious behavior, as it removes incentives for deception by penalizing wrongful actions while also providing mechanisms to determine HTLC resolution without definitive reliance on chain-based settlements.

Furthermore, the conversation touches upon the technical challenges and potential risks associated with implementing the OPR protocol, especially concerning the accurate assessment of transaction outcomes in the face of network inconsistencies. Despite these concerns, the protocol is posited to offer a significant improvement in scalability and efficiency by eliminating the need for on-chain resolution of HTLCs in many scenarios. This aspect is particularly relevant in the context of ensuring the lightning network's capacity to handle transactions efficiently and securely, highlighting the OPR protocol's role in enhancing the system's overall resilience and functionality.