Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and analyst c-node have initiated a discussion on the fundamental value of decentralized finance (DeFi). According to NS3.AI, they criticized many popular strategies within the sector as being superficial and speculative. Buterin and c-node argue that true DeFi should prioritize self-custody, decentralized risk management, and financial systems that extend beyond dollar-pegged assets. This conversation underscores a division between purist DeFi ideals and venture-backed convenience, which may influence the future development of the sector.