Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has revised his framework for blockchain scaling, emphasizing the importance of user self-validation. In a recent post, Buterin ranked the difficulty of scaling blockchain components, identifying computation as the easiest, data availability as more challenging, and state as the most difficult. He highlighted the role of zero-knowledge proofs and data-splitting in enhancing execution and availability without compromising trust. Buterin also reversed his 2017 stance on user self-validation, now supporting it due to advancements in cryptography and practical insights. He stressed the importance of self-sovereignty and verification as key design goals for Ethereum's long-term resilience. This shift reflects Ethereum's evolving approach to network scalability and user empowerment.