But it is still hypothetically possible. Why not maintain the small maxblocksize as an anti spam measure and create an offchain transaction layer built on top that anyone is free to use.
I want to ask you, if Blockstream was not involved in any of this, are you open to a smaller maxblocksize and an offchain transaction layer for Bitcoin? Honestly.
there is no reason not to use LN.. emphasis as a VOLUNTARY side service for those that need it.
but LN does have some limitations and issues which make it useful for only a niche of people. not everyone.
also the 1mb base still limits how many channels can be active. and needing more base block size will be needed to cover the more channels being open while also allowing people to replenish funds of channels to spend more. (which does require onchain space to restart new channels or add fresh funds to a channel)
some have done the maths.
to have enough channels open to cover say 7billion people with a 1year lock requires 133-200mb blocks
for a more reasonable 2week lock. that would be 5.2gb blocks. so thinking w can survive on 1mb blocks and (i laugh) 'be like visa' is impossible