Part 9/12:
In practice, anyone using Lightning must keep their nodes online, increasing vulnerability. Moving funds into a cold wallet—necessary to store large amounts securely—is challenging and costly due to the need to close channels, which itself involves fees and complexities.
The Predatory Dynamic
Most people, especially in developing countries, will find it difficult to seed liquidity for Lightning channels without relying on custodians. This reliance trades the trustless principle for convenience, exposing users to custodial risks, potential censorship, or regulatory interference.