What we really need for decentralization is something like the 21 inc computer. Something that can be set to plug-and-forget, not something that you use daily and that is prone to damage if you run it for 24/7 for 1-2 straight years.
You're describing an ASIC. Or at least something like what Spondoolies used to make.
Are you still upset about not receiving a demo miner for free? If it's not that then what's your reason for going this route? Because you can't really compare a GPU, which has all the above enumerated downsides, with what 21 inc does (low footprint, low energy, less money than a full PC+GPU, with more blockchain capabilities and so on).
Is it me or is everyone stuck on the war against ASICs which clearly impairs their ability to think clearly about the good and bad points? (like in the blocksize debate)
ASICS and ASIC creators have basically destroyed home mining and you guys want to go to bat for them, sounds like a sucker for punishment or battered spouse syndrome thing is going on here.
GPU farms are bad but Scummy asic companies are 10 times worse if you don't get that check out all the threads of folks ripped off and STILL being ripped off by these clowns.
Home mining just took a paus and it will be possible again with the help of 21 Inc or with something similar. Home mining shouldn't be about being required to have a full PC in order to mine with GPUs or have high-grade mining rigs. Home mining should be like having a router! Then everyone will embrace it and we will have our long waited decentralization. Patience and optimism is required!
While it's not desirable in the long run I think we are fine for the moment. There are good and bad points to this centralization. Let's not forget the hundreds of bitcoins that were sent back by the miners for the high fee transactions. If we had the mining decentralized I don't think that would've happened. And let's be honest. Do you see any pool or any manufacturer going crazy and trying to rape us all at this point? Do you really think that Bitfury will do it? Or BITMAIN? I don't see that possible to be honest and that's very assuring for me. If you won't believe it then it's your problem, but it's not matching the reality. Just like in my above comment you need patience and optimism instead of this apocalyptic and unrealistic view.