Quote from: citb0in on March 02, 2023, 09:33:06 AM

I see it exactly the opposite way. There are numerous reasons why the true and happy finder would never want to disclose this information here in the forum, if this person is active here in the forum at all. I even claim that there are more logical reasons to hide it than to hang it on the big bell and supposedly brag about it.

This assumption can also be reflected analogously to a block find where a solo miner collects the reward but wants to remain anonymous. There are dozens of reasons for that.

I tend to agree. For quite some time I've been coming here every now and then to check on any progress and play around with Kangaroos and BitCracks

In the event that I could come up with a solution, I would prefer to keep a low profile. For a while, at least as I devote my attention to resolving the next problem in line - in this case, #125.

But more importantly than 'who did it?', let's not forget, are the fundamentals of this challenge (incorrectly referred to as a puzzle).

These principles should be the basis for all of our efforts, and for all of our discussions here. As stated in the creator's post: "It is simply a crude measuring instrument, of the cracking strength of the community. "

The reference to "community" was interesting in that it could be interpreted as an invitation for more minds to collaborate in order to solve whatever can be solved. This is also hinted at in this line:

"Finally, I wish to express appreciation of the efforts of all developers of new cracking tools and technology."

We could argue that this "community" spirit hinted at by the creator has faded. Not disappeared, but faded.

Almost everyone seems to be in it for their own benefit. This includes the undersigned...

Moreover, the recent resolution of #120 without sharing the good news only heightens a feeling of individualism instead of a sense of community.

Sorry if I offended anyone. This post is intended solely as a reminder of the importance of returning to the basics. For all of us to remember, why was this challenge even started in the first place?

I personally do not believe it was intended to test the overall strength of the blockchain or bitcoin encryption. There are scientists who use very powerful hardware in very advanced laboratories who have been testing encryption challenges for years. And they do not usually visit forums in order to share their findings, primarily due to security concerns.

Just my two cents...