the main irritation about the initial block sync is not actually "cost".. but the time.
So the cost of internet connection, electricity and storage drive (assuming user already have computer/server with low free storage capacity) isn't exist? People live on third-world like me can know cost isn't cheap
the main irritation about the initial block sync is not actually "cost".. but the time.
and when actually poking deeper at the irritations the main rebuttal i hear again is not cost. but the fact that people cannot see their 'final balance' until the syncing is complete. which means they cant really easily see if imported their wallet correctly or even make a transaction until the syncing is complete.
this can easily be remedied.
imagine getting to see a 'unverified' balance within seconds of opening your node for the first time. via SPV methods(grab a rlatively fresh UTXO set from peers). and thus using a fresh UTXO set, then able to know you have imported the correct wallet by seeing aatleast a unverified balance and also then able to make transactions.. then the whole blockchain syncing becomes a background issue rather than a stare at the screen waiting issue
its like online gaming/phone apps these days. get to play with a small single level demo of a game whilst the whole game downloads in the background. people can the be instantly entertained and not be as concerned about waiting for the game to download, as that main download is treated as a background issue.
lastly the fee being more than a few hours of minimum wage labour for MILLIONS of people in third world countries deters more people than the cost of a hard drive or internet access
Not bad idea, but IMO using SPV wallet is better if user isn't patient or need make transaction as fast as possible.