> Also with merge mining and proof of space we can be quite efficient in the future.
Proof of memory (space) is just proof of work with extra steps. It does not reduce energy consumption.
Merge mining is non-dedicated cost, so also does not improve energy efficiency. The irreducible *cost* is what matters.
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I see what you say, however, since the proposal as I have read it says "And this will keep happening as long as hashrate keeps rising," - what actually happens in the case hashrate stagnates or falls?
In general, a target hashrate can be set by users (can be less or morethan the peak hashrate). As long as hashrate is rising and stilldidn't reach the target, miners will incrementally get the reservefees. Once the "contract" times out, the remaining part can be used asfees by the users who created the reserve fee "contract". So ifhashrate remains the same or falls, then users get the reserve feesback.I agree that we can't stop people from being greedy. If they are notBitcoin mining, they will try to put their energy to earn in someother way...The hashrate is related the demand for Bitcoin (price) andthe amount of fees/subsidies the miners will get paid. For every levelof mining rewards (based on demand) there exists a limit on thehashrate. Once hashrate gets large enough, no new miners (additionalhashrate) will want to join since their share of the hashrate is toosmall to make a profit.Also with merge mining and proof of space we can be quite efficient inthe future. But of course I sympathize with the "don't be greedy"philosophy, and it can be good to educate people to use less resourcesthan they need, just I think it's a bit outside of the scope of whatthe Bitcoin software protocol does.