I always wonder when Lightning network will be implemented?
Because the block jams hinder the BTC is the cause of the rise further, I think if Lightning network can solve this problem, so the btc will rise further, but I seldom saw about any new about the lightning network recently.
I understand your frustrations about the high cost of transaction fees and slow confirmation. Will it help alleviate the network congestion? Absolutely, but would you rather implement it today without going to a lot of test to make sure everything works as design or quickly release it and in matter of hours people are bitching out because it crash or something breaks up?
LN has been in Alpha since January 10, (
http://lightning.community/release/software/lnd/lightning/2017/01/10/lightning-network-daemon-alpha-release/).
I know that everyone is really excited to used it because bitcoin transaction would become much cheaper at the same time very fast. Eventually, it will be rolled out and expect bitcoin price to go up again. (If that's what you want to hear).