@Quentin, I think you have some points not correct here.
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When Atom is not a yield asset that can keep up with the other tokens in Cosmos then the validator set in short time will be woth nothing including the ICS/security derived from it. ATOM only providing security to other tokens wont keep it alive.
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I agree completely that ATOM should function in cosmos as a state => a state asks among other things taxes to be able to do two specific things: security (ICS) and keeping the infrastructure (IBC) running.
So, I want to thank you for your support to tax IBC.
Does ATOM need to become a high yield asset? no
Does ATOM need to survive and thrive in cosmos and play a meaningfull role? Yes, also for the succes for Cosmos as a system.
For this more ecosystem value capture is vital. With other Cosmos tokens having more marketcap and with the marketcaps of coins connected through IBC ATOM I think will miss the boat big time with only having Security (ICS/Mesh etc) to offer. This effect we are seeing already taking shape. See: Bitcoin security to Cosmos with Babilon post
I thought that a couple of months ago we got rid of this small thinking: “ATOM needs to be as small and insignificant and minimalistic as possible” attitude. Think BIG!
From where was IBC set up, developed AND FUNDED? Keeping IBC running and developing is NOT job for only voluntary non paid work. I think it is very much justified and there will be no problem to implement a small tax.
Will IBC be forked when small tax of fees? No, a fork would need the devs and validators of ALL the tokens/coins, ALL the coins/tokens/apps/rollups etc on every chain connected and IBC devs to switch over…IBC is solidly integrated. a fork is not going to happen. And if it does, no problem. Then the situation is back as it is now, but then we have to rethink how IBC is funded.
ATOM can not protect its lands without propper and sustainable funding/yield. IBC small tax is one way to do that, ICS is an other, but beside those two there need to be more for ATOM to have a meaningful role in Cosmos. At least, that is my opinion.
We have now the ideas proposed of: ICS and IBC for capturing ecosystem value. I dont want to hijack this conversation with only focussing on ICS and IBC. Pls also contribute with more/other/ creative ideas for ATOM to capture more ecosystem value.