Example:
NODE 1 has say, 500 points on the benchmark which only allows it to participate at level 1, 42 coins minimum and no further coins will give it weight.
NODE 2 has say, 1000 points on the benchmark which allows it to participate at level 2, 42 coins minimum and 84 coins max and it has twice the weight potential but no further weight for more coins.
NODE 3 has say, 10000 points which allows it to participate at level 5, 42 coins minimum and 210 coins maximum allowing it to have five times a level 1 nodes weight potential.
In my mind this performs two very important things:
1. Less BS tiny nodes with par performance fighting and causing a huge, possibly laggy network of tracked nodes to accomplish the network goals.
2. Invites REAL hardware backed players to build quality nodes instead of quantity, fostering a positive environment that offers those who want to invest, a safe and scalable way to do so within a node.
I'm for increasing of this number required coins because this is the one good way to create pressure on demand. Also it will attract more people and network will grow more rapidly. This way you do not need to count on people who do this from their deep core beliefs. This number shoud be at lest 5x greater that it is. Also i'm for flexibil percentage, it shall start as 3.5% and should go to 20% after a while, For example.
I'm not for benchmarking nodes, this is too much. Just create good economic reason and you will get bunch of good nodes instantly. Only this will attack many people to join.