Internal tensions are brewing at the Ethereum Foundation following allegations of flawed compensation practices, prompting scrutiny and uncertainty within the community. A leading developer’s public letter has raised serious concerns about the foundation’s strategic alignment with its key contributors. Péter Szilágyi, Ethereum’s lead developer for the Geth client, revealed that long-standing policies have resulted in underpaid members struggling financially. His revelation of an approximate $625,000 compensation over six years sparked widespread discussion about the Foundation’s approach to remuneration, especially considering its crucial role in the blockchain ecosystem. This has ignited a firestorm within the community, where figures like Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder and CEO of Polygon, are questioning their loyalty towards Ethereum. Nailwal’s response reflects growing dissent over perceived inconsistencies in recognition for contributions to the wider blockchain ecosystem. The concerns surrounding the Foundation’s compensation practices have led to a deeper reflection on the relationship between community efforts and leadership decisions. This raises questions about the future direction of Ethereum, with potential implications for its ongoing development and market stability.