Crypto: Vitalik Buterin Reorients Ethereum Layer-2 Strategy, Emphasizing Direct Mainnet Scaling - ETH, ARB, OPT, BASE

[Para 1: The Lead] Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, redefines the role of layer-2 networks, asserting that Ethereum's direct scaling on its main network now renders layer-2s unnecessary as "branded shards." This shift impacts ARK, OPT, and BASE, as Buterin argues these networks no longer serve the original purpose of scaling Ethereum. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] Buterin highlights two key shifts: slower decentralization progress among layer-2s and Ethereum's successful direct scaling, keeping fees low and gas limits expected to increase in 2026. He argues that high-throughput chains connected to Ethereum through multisig bridges do not scale Ethereum as intended. Instead, layer-2s should focus on value beyond basic scaling, offering privacy, application-specific design, or non-financial use cases, clearly communicating what guarantees they provide to users. This strategic reevaluation underscores Ethereum's commitment to direct scalability and clarity in layer-2 network roles.