LN relies on middle men (channel partners, route hops)
bitcoin does not rely on middle men
Bitcoin relies on nodes to broadcast messages across the network. That seems to be the same level of "middle-men" as you call it.
LN does not have a blockchain.
bitcoin does
LN doesn't need a blockchain it's an L2.
LN is a co-sign co-custody authorisation required system
Whether it's a co-sign/co-custody system is irrelevant. LN is a scaling solution that brings people more flexibility. You can't say LN does
damage to the ecosystem.