Andrew Keys, an early Ethereum supporter, argues that Ethereum is undervaluing its services by keeping transaction costs low, similar to Uber's pricing strategy. He suggests that Ethereum can raise prices without compromising its value proposition as demand increases. However, the author counters that maximizing profits may not align with the fundamental purpose of layer-one blockchains. The goal should be to keep blockspace affordable to encourage usage. The piece draws parallels with Walt Disney and Linus Torvalds, highlighting that sometimes not focusing on profit maximization can lead to greater long-term success. Unlike the Linux operating system, Ethereum cannot be offered without costs, but it does not need to prioritize profit maximization either. Companies like Walmart and Costco prospered by emphasizing growth and revenue rather than profit margins, suggesting that blockspace could be treated as a commodity with similar principles. Ultimately, as Ethereum's value and usage grow, it may find an equilibrium that benefits all stakeholders without artificially inflating transaction prices.

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