Part 3/6:
A key point Andreas makes is that the true value of these new algorithms can only be assessed through practical deployment—"in the wild," with real actors and real money at stake. Unlike theoretical models, the effectiveness of a consensus mechanism must be tested under realistic conditions to evaluate its resilience, scalability, and security.
He stresses that blockchain is an experimental science that benefits from large-scale testing, moving beyond laboratory conditions. Only through real-world deployment can the nuances, strengths, and weaknesses of various algorithms be truly understood. This iterative process of experimentation and observation is essential for advancing the field and ensuring that new consensus mechanisms are robust enough for widespread adoption.