the problem with bitcoin-core is that it doesnt want to solve its problems. Raising the block size is something they could do at any moment... If they wanted to still go with lightning network, they could do both... But they dont.
Blockstream wants bitcoin core to be broken so they have an excuse to centralize it through lightning hubs.
Correct and Ripple will now eat their lunch. Beware of Banker takeover.
Its not decentralised, the banks can keep Ripple if it helps them sleep at night.
Do you mean you wouldn't mind if Ripple becomes the new Reserve Currency and The Gold to broken BTC's fools gold?
I'm saying that I don't care what happens to Ripple as it is not a decentralised currency nor is it actually crypto currency. Its just another gimmick that they can get excited about. Ripple labs own about 80% odd and can place into the market whenever they like.
Segwit 2x is a mojor challenge, politically (worth researching) and technically, not just as simple as changing "1" to "8" in the codebase, and 2x itself ain't good solution either (still back to the blocksize)
Both of the solutions come with challengers that really need careful consideration.