Bitcoin (BTC) remains true to its role as peer-to-peer electronic cash while evolving to address global scalability and security challenges. The base layer (Layer 1) ensures unparalleled decentralization and security, vital for trustless transactions. Solutions like the Lightning Network (LN) enhance BTC’s ability for instant, low-fee microtransactions, making BTC practical for daily use without compromising its decentralized nature. FediMint and other innovations are optional layers designed to increase user privacy and custody options, not to “fix” fundamental flaws.

Bitcoin’s layered approach reflects modular innovation, allowing users flexibility without imposing complexity on basic use. The argument that setting up LN or related tools is difficult overlooks simple wallet solutions available today, enabling onboarding in minutes with built-in LN functionality.

In contrast, BCH simplifies initial use but sacrifices decentralization and security by increasing block size limits, making nodes more expensive to run and reducing network resilience. Bitcoin’s layered ecosystem preserves its core values, balancing usability with long-term security and true decentralization.

Bitcoin’s evolution ensures it is adaptable as peer-to-peer cash without compromising its foundation—something BCH has struggled to maintain. 

 BCH works great. Extremely fast transactions, super cheap fees, excellent consumer tools. It is literally working proof that BTC is as broken as the fiat system it pretends to replace.
Lightning can be used p2p, but most use a custodial service. Fedimint is entirely custodial.