I think this is a fair and important discussion to have.
From a grassroots perspective (working directly with new users and communities), the question isn’t whether flagship events like the Cardano Summit matter, they do. Visibility, coordination, and bringing people together are all important for the ecosystem.
But governance is really about making choices under constraints. When resources are limited, we have to ask: what creates the most lasting value for Cardano right now?
On the ground, there are still clear gaps:
- Participation remains low (even in governance itself)
- Understanding is still a barrier for many entering the ecosystem
- Efforts often feel fragmented rather than coordinated
If these layers are not strong, even well-funded events may struggle to translate into long-term impact.
At the same time, I do believe the Cardano Summit is a public good, and treasury funding can make sense. But for that to be justified, a few things feel important:
- Clear scope and transparency around costs
- Alignment with current market conditions
- Measurable outcomes beyond just the event itself
Splitting the proposal and improving detail seems like a practical way forward.
From where I stand, the challenge is not just visibility, it’s what happens after visibility.
We need systems that convert attention into real participation. That’s where governance, education, and incentives all come together.