The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is evolving, with MetaEra noting a shift from its exploratory roots to a more mature ecosystem. As infrastructure improves and on-chain financial participation becomes more uniform, users now expect yield as a standard offering. Lending within DeFi increasingly resembles short-term financing, driven by incentives that shape user behavior. This maturation raises concerns about DeFi's ability to innovate and expand beyond its current user base. While the sector has not collapsed, its capacity to push boundaries and explore new frontiers is being questioned, as it grapples with maintaining its pioneering spirit amidst growing standardization.