> As long you have some channels open and I have some channels open, the network will route my payment to you.
Just like the internet. And just like on the internet, extortion by incumbents along that route can happen, and likely will once there is an encumbent Lightning wallet provider that is too large to ignore for merchants. (All assuming Lightning or something like it is successful in the first place, of course.)
> As sender, I am responsible for any potential routing fees. You as the payee are not.
In a typical online payment scenario, the customer is the sender. Of course large wallets could strike deals with merchants to let them cover fees for their users to make this less apparent...
> If we were to transact with each other often, it could be worth opening a dedicated channel to enhance privacy and avoid routing fees.
Sure – just like you could open a tab at your favorite bar, or you could get a store credit card at your favorite retailer.
> Just like the internet. And just like on the internet, extortion by incumbents along that route can happen, and likely will once there is an encumbent Lightning wallet provider that is too large to ignore for merchants. (All assuming Lightning or something like it is successful in the first place, of course.)
This is plausible. Lightning Wallets are harder to run in a self custodial way rather than classic Bitcoin on-chain transaction.
> In a typical online payment scenario, the customer is the sender. Of course large wallets could strike deals with merchants to let them cover fees for their users to make this less apparent...
Wallet providers could turn in payment processors as well for merchants.
> Sure – just like you could open a tab at your favorite bar, or you could get a store credit card at your favorite retailer.
Not familiar with this concept, I know that it exists. Though the cost of establishing that system is mountains more than establishing a channel to your favourite bar. But it is a micro optimisation.
Just like the internet. And just like on the internet, extortion by incumbents along that route can happen, and likely will once there is an encumbent Lightning wallet provider that is too large to ignore for merchants. (All assuming Lightning or something like it is successful in the first place, of course.)
> As sender, I am responsible for any potential routing fees. You as the payee are not.
In a typical online payment scenario, the customer is the sender. Of course large wallets could strike deals with merchants to let them cover fees for their users to make this less apparent...
> If we were to transact with each other often, it could be worth opening a dedicated channel to enhance privacy and avoid routing fees.
Sure – just like you could open a tab at your favorite bar, or you could get a store credit card at your favorite retailer.