Buterin called validators leaving Ethereum "deserters."
Date: 2025-09-19 Author: Henry Casey Categories: BUSINESS
In mid-September, the number of ETH unlock requests reached an all-time high of 2.67 million coins, worth over $12 billion at the current exchange rate. This surge led to the average withdrawal wait time increasing to 45 days. Against this backdrop, Michael Marcantonio, head of DeFi at Galaxy Digital, stated that the situation is alarming, especially when compared to Solana, where the asset unlock process takes about two days.
Despite the criticism, Vitalik Buterin sees a certain advantage in Ethereum's current system. According to him, the mechanism whereby the wait time depends on the length of the validator queue protects the network from instability. He emphasized that the ability to instantly exit would undermine the stability of the blockchain, especially for node operators who connect to the network irregularly.
Buterin used a military metaphor, comparing validators seeking to withdraw their assets to soldiers leaving the army without permission. "If everyone leaves voluntarily, the system will collapse," he noted. According to the Ethereum co-founder, the long queue model isn't ideal, but it strikes a balance between security and flexibility.
Marcantonio, on the other hand, believes that users prioritize transaction speed. He noted that Solana offers much faster withdrawals, making it an attractive alternative for those who value liquidity. However, this model also has risks: a sudden mass withdrawal could sharply collapse the token's price.
One positive effect of Ethereum's long waiting period is the reduced pressure on the ETH price. If all 2.67 million coins were unlocked and sold at once, the cryptocurrency's price could lose tens of percent. The gradual lifting of restrictions creates only moderate pressure, preventing sharp declines.
Thus, Ethereum's long-latency model is perceived as a tool to protect the ecosystem from panic selling and sudden crises. While Solana's appeal lies in speed, Ethereum prioritizes stability, albeit at the cost of reduced liquidity for validators.
Buterin believes that gradual withdrawals and strict rules maintain the network's balance and make it more reliable in the long term.
