According to BlockBeats, on February 5th, Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin stated that "currently, many newly created EVM chains are simply replicating the existing architecture or connecting to Ethereum via optimistic bridges with a one-week delay. This approach is similar to repeatedly copying Compound in governance. While it's 'comfortable,' it exhausts innovation in the long run, leading the ecosystem into a dead end. If the new chains are not connected to Ethereum's optimistic bridges (i.e., purely replacing L1), the situation is even worse. What the ecosystem truly needs are projects that bring new features, such as privacy protection, application-specific efficiency, or ultra-low latency."
The form of an "Ethereum connection" must match its actual functionality. For example, prediction market applications can issue and settle markets and manage user accounts on L1, but transaction execution occurs in a Rollup or L2 system, with signature verification and market state validation via L1. A deeply connected L1 architecture should be prioritized over mere formal bridging for approval. Another type of "application chain" can verify algorithm execution on government, social media, or gaming platforms, using technologies like STARK to ensure updates are authorized and executed according to pre-committed rules. While not entirely Ethereum, these chains offer algorithmic transparency and minimized trust, facilitating economic activities that would otherwise be impossible.
New projects should achieve two things: First, they should genuinely bring innovation, not just replicate the existing EVM chain; second, their public image should match their actual functionality, and the project's claimed level of connectivity with Ethereum should accurately reflect its technological and ecosystem dependence, ensuring ecosystem interoperability and long-term value.
