I am getting the feeling Lightning is coming to Bitcoin sooner than most people expect it to. My predicted results (all in 2018):
- Big decreases in BTC transaction costs.
- Many will question the usefulness of altcoins that tout cheap transactions as a main benefit.
- Improved privacy for BTC transactions. Resulting in more questioning of certain altcoins.
- A lot of money moves from alts to BTC.
- $100k BTC.
I like this view of lightning:
- Cold storage stays where it is. (HW or paper wallet or super secure PC)
- My android wallet is replaced by (or migrates to) Lightning.
When I want to transact, I use my lightning funds (checking account). My savings will be kept in cold storage.